Staff photo by Hannah LaClaire Jim Rafferty, General Manager of the River (left) presents David Villiotti, Executive Director of Nashua Children’s Home with a check for $63,299.85, the total of contributions for their ten year relationship.

NASHUA – David Villiotti, the executive director of Nashua Children’s Home, announced recently that fundraising efforts for 2017 were helped by the River Casino and Sports Bar’s contribution of $8,342.10. That donation brings the grand total of contributions for their 10-year relationship with the River Casino to $63,299.85.

“We have partnered with the River since 2008 and this partnership has been a great resource for the Children’s Home,” Villiotti said.

Jim Rafferty, general manager of the River, announced that 2018 charity dates have just been released, and the Nashua Children’s Home is again on the River calendar. Villiotti and his organization will be at the River, 53 High St., from July 20-29. Under state law in New Hampshire, eligible charities – nonprofit 501c3 organizations in good standing with the state for at least two years – receive 35 percent of the gaming proceeds for each of up to 10 days that they sponsor gaming at the property.

Rafferty called it a win-win for the community.

“It is not only good for the 36 charities that sponsor dates at the River, but it is also good for players who enjoy roulette, New Hampshire hold’em, Spanish 21, craps and our high-stakes poker room.” Villiotti said. “So many other sources of revenue have dried up for charities; I believe New Hampshire’s charitable gaming is enlightened public policy and a good way to help charities throughout the state of New Hampshire. We are happy to participate and thank the players for playing, and the River for running a fun and exciting place.”

The River has raised $2,502,992 for charities in the region since it opened 10 years ago.