Nash Casino gives $1.4M to local nonprofits

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino, Friends of Benson Park Board Member Peter Schnable, Treasurer Karen McLavey, Vice President Natalie Newell and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
NASHUA – The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in contributions to eight local nonprofit organizations on June 24.
The funds were generated from a percentage of games of chance and historical horse racing machine revenues in May. In March and April, The Nash generated an unprecedented $3.2 million, for a total of $4.6 million over the first three months of operations.
“We work very hard to provide a premium gaming, entertainment and dining experience,” said casino General Manager Eric Althaus. “We are proud to significantly contribute to the greater good of our local communities by supporting nonprofits that champion such heartfelt initiatives.”
-Friends of Benson Park: $162,856
-New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition: $162,856

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Vice President of Marketing Heather Cook-Osolnick, NH Breast Cancer Coalition President Betsy Westgate, Board Member Sally Heuchling, Board Member Julie Parolin and The Nash Assistant General Manager Aaron Feinberg. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
-Advocates Building Lasting Equality in New Hampshire: $177,322
-Milford Area Seniors: $177,322
-New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling: $177,576
-Rockingham Economic Development Corp.: $177,576
-Monadnock Developmental Services: $205,997

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino, Rockingham Economic Development Corporation Office Manager Angel Paradis, Accountant Karla Dillon and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
-Opportunity Networks: $205,997
Karen McLavey, treasurer of The Friends of Benson Park, said the funds will provide a “huge boost” for the completion of the new Benson Museum and Discovery Center. She said the museum will provide fun, educational and interactive children’s exhibits including an indoor treehouse and a unique memorabilia collection spanning 60 years as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm Zoo and Amusement Park.
Betsy Westgate, president of the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition, said the money will be put towards paying for household expenses of women in financial need who are receiving treatment for breast cancer in New Hampshire. She said the funds are a “critical bonus” which will enable the coalition to pay the bills of breast cancer patients directly, taking weight off their shoulders and allowing them to prioritize their health.
Rocky Morelli, executive director of Opportunity Networks, conveyed the organization’s passion for empowering individuals with disabilities living in New Hampshire to think autonomously through the funds.
“We are grateful to receive this support, as the money will go towards funding health and fitness-based programs that expose disabled members of the community to new experiences,” said Morelli.

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino, Rockingham Economic Development Corporation Office Manager Angel Paradis, Accountant Karla Dillon and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
According to state law, 35 percent of games of chance revenues, and 8.75 percent of HHR machine revenues are set aside for two nonprofits assigned to each week of gaming. The combined revenues are split evenly between the two nonprofits. In addition, 10 percent of games of chance and 16.5 percent of HHR revenues are contributed to the state Education Trust Fund. In May, the casino sent $1,353,000 to the state fund.
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino, Friends of Benson Park Board Member Peter Schnable, Treasurer Karen McLavey, Vice President Natalie Newell and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Vice President of Marketing Heather Cook-Osolnick, NH Breast Cancer Coalition President Betsy Westgate, Board Member Sally Heuchling, Board Member Julie Parolin and The Nash Assistant General Manager Aaron Feinberg. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino, Rockingham Economic Development Corporation Office Manager Angel Paradis, Accountant Karla Dillon and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino, Rockingham Economic Development Corporation Office Manager Angel Paradis, Accountant Karla Dillon and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Security Robert Page, Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH Executive Director Dr. Louis Esposito, Board President Lisa Steadman and The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Vice President of Marketing Heather Cook-Osolnick, Opportunity Networks Board Member Jim Stratton, Executive Director Rocky Morelli, Board Member Robert Young and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Assistant General Manager Aaron Feinberg, Milford Area Seniors Representative Peter Lippitt and The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino
- The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Assistant General Manager Aaron Feinberg, Monadnock Developmental Services Executive Director Mary Anne Wisell, Fundraising & Development Associate Linda Amaral and The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Director of Security Robert Page, Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH Executive Director Dr. Louis Esposito, Board President Lisa Steadman and The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Vice President of Marketing Heather Cook-Osolnick, Opportunity Networks Board Member Jim Stratton, Executive Director Rocky Morelli, Board Member Robert Young and The Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Assistant General Manager Aaron Feinberg, Milford Area Seniors Representative Peter Lippitt and The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino

The Nash Casino presented a combined $1.4 million in charitable contributions for eight New Hampshire nonprofit organizations on June 24. Pictured, from left is The Nash Assistant General Manager Aaron Feinberg, Monadnock Developmental Services Executive Director Mary Anne Wisell, Fundraising & Development Associate Linda Amaral and The Nash Director of Communications and Charity Christine Latino. Courtesy photo/The Nash Casino