The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which is in the process of acquiring the Sands Bethlehem Casino Resort in Pennsylvania, has donated $180,000 to the families of 2 victims of the recent Lee County tornado, to cover all funeral costs.
“The coroner’s office received word that they wanted to help and reached out to them, and they agreed,” said Lee County Coroner Bill Harris, according to Alabama Media New Group. “Their first commitment was for $50,000. Later they called back and asked me what it would take to cover the costs, and I gave them a figure and they graciously made it happen—the monies will be deposited with the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation to be dispersed to the funeral homes to cover the cost of the funerals.
“I am so thankful for them to step up in this manner and help the families of this tragedy.”
Four of the 23 victims were children — ages 6, 8, 9 and 10. A family of seven was among the dead.
The tribe’s donation was made amid an outpouring of contributions to help victims of the tornadoes in Beauregard and Smiths Station. Several crowdfunding campaigns were established to support victims
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Wind Creek Hospitality entity operates nine gambling facilities in Alabama, and is paying $1.3 billion for Sands Bethlehem, which is owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corp.
According to its website, Wind Creek has given $1.5 million in charitable corporate sponsorships and considers philanthropy integral to its mission.
