In a partnership not yet a year old, the Women of Seminole Gaming (WoSG) Brighton has delivered its second major donation to Martha’s House, the shelter and advocacy organization for victims of domestic abuse in Okeechobee, Florida. This delivery marks the completion of Operation Backpack, with a goal to provide 100 pre-packed backpacks, for all grades, to Martha’s House by start of the school year. The group exceeded that goal with delivery of 101 pre-packed backpacks, about 100 empty backpacks and school supplies enough to assure Martha’s House will be able to supply the children in their care for the entire school year.

The WoSG Brighton, a group of five ladies from the property, partnered with Martha’s House in March of this year. Their first effort for Martha’s House in May was hosting a Dunk Tank/Pie in the Face Event, an employee fundraiser where the volunteers to be dunked/get a pie-in-the-face included the General Managers from both Seminole Brighton and Immokalee Casino’s, one Vice President, and several Department Directors and Managers from both properties. This highly successful event raised well over $1000 and provided Martha’s House critically needed funds to restock their pantry. Operation Backpack, the idea of one of the WoSG Brighton Team Members, garnered donations from the Women of Seminole Gaming teams from all 6 Seminole properties in Florida. The donations were sorted and backpacks packed by a cadre of Brighton team members, using the lists garnered from the Okeechobee Schools.

“I am completely in awe of the outpouring of generosity from all over Seminole and their Women of Seminole Gaming teams.” said Regina Moore, Team Leader for Women of Seminole Gaming Brighton. “I cannot express enough appreciation for the support we’ve received, from both the women across the Seminole Casinos, and from the ‘Packin Posse’ who worked so hard to get the backpacks and supplies ready.”

The Women of Seminole Gaming was founded in 2015 by a group of female leaders from across the company, and a group was formed at the Brighton Casino in February 2018. The program consists of 3 major branches, Mentorship, Networking and Education. Women of Seminole Gaming’s purpose is to incorporate current female professionals from both within and outside the organization to serve as examples for Seminole team members to grow and develop both personally and professionally. Part of the path of growth is appreciated through individual and team community involvement and outreach programs, such as Brighton’s partnership with Martha’s House.

Seminole Casino Brighton is a 27,000-square-foot casino with over 400 slot and gaming machines, high-stake bingo action, table games, and Josiah, a full service restaurant and lounge. Its warm and friendly staff, ultra-modern air-conditioning system, clean atmosphere, and rewarding casino promotions are a welcome alternative to big city gaming.

Martha’s House is a private, Florida, 501c3 not for profit organization, dedicated to working to end domestic violence, and to serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Martha’s House, Inc. operates a 24-bed emergency shelter who cares for over 200 school aged children per year, a 24hr hotline; provides outreach services; training; violence prevention education; court hearing accompaniment and injunction assistance; victim’s compensation; and more in Okeechobee County, FL.