Boyd Gaming Corporation on Friday said it has donated more than $180,000 to non-profit organizations nationwide through the company’s annual holiday competition, “Wreaths and Trees of Hope.”
More than 160 non-profit organizations nationwide participated in the 2021 competition, decorating wreaths and trees that were displayed at 22 Boyd Gaming properties across the country.
Winners were decided directly by Boyd Gaming guests, who were invited to vote for their favorite charities online and in-person at participating properties.
More than 100,000 customer votes were cast nationwide, Boyd said.
Now in its 14th year, Wreaths and Trees of Hope set new records in 2021 for total prize pool, number of participating properties and non-profits, and total votes cast. Since the competition began in 2007, Boyd Gaming has awarded more than $1 million to non-profits across the country.
In September, Boyd Gaming donated $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank in support of the southern Louisiana communities in which it operates. Second Harvest is the largest food bank in the area.
According to Boyd Gaming, the donation will provide financial support for Second Harvest’s ongoing efforts to provide food and water to residents of Jefferson and St. Mary parishes, home to Boyd Gaming’s Treasure Chest and Amelia Belle properties, and surrounding communities.
The company said these areas suffered extreme damage from Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in southern Louisiana on August 29.
Boyd Gaming Corporation was founded in 1975. The company describes itself as a geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states. Boyd also is a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, a sports-betting and iGaming operator.