Support From the Moraine Valley Foundation

ATTN: Illinois Gaming Board

Dear Chairman Schmadeke and Board Members,

I am reaching out on behalf of the Moraine Valley Foundation submit this letter in support of Wind Creek Hospitality and its application to bring a casino to the south suburban communities of East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

The Moraine Valley Community College District 524 covers 139 square miles in the southwest suburbs of Chicago – educating more than 26,400 credit and noncredit students annually. The Foundation promotes and financially supports college programs and provides scholarships and financial assistance to students while exercising prudent management and investment of donor funds.

We are particularly encouraged by Wind Creek’s commitment in the 10 communities where it has existing properties – and by its commitment early on in the process to give back to the south suburban region. Specifically, the creation of a Southland Public Benefit Fund, of which Moraine Valley Community College is a one of the local recipients, that will distribute $150,000 annually for the first five years of operation to a number of organizations throughout the region with a goal of increasing equity – expanding access to higher education and health care for underserved residents of the south suburban region. After the first five years of operation, the goal will be to distribute $1 million annually.

The Moraine Valley Community College Foundation intends to disburse our portion of these funds for academic and need-based scholarships to students and emergency assistance funds for students who are struggling to remain in school and more.

We also know that Wind Creek has a stellar reputation and a proven track record of success – and believe that they are the best possible applicant for the region.

Sincerely,
Kristy McGreal, CAE
Executive Director
Moraine Valley Foundation