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You don't have to be a resident of Sault Ste. Marie or even have been to the Kewadin Casinos to feel the benefit and generosity of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Citizens from across the U.P. will be benefiting from more than $786,000 in distributions from the tribe, which twice a year gives out funds equaling two percent of the revenues from the slot machine play at the Kewadin Casinos to communities.

The funds are used for projects, programs and services that benefit all residents of the U.P.

This year, the tribe's 2010 spring distributions will support road construction and police upgrades to recreation and community services. Some notable distributions are to the Bill Dowd Memorial Park fund and the Kid's Fishing Day in Chippewa County, sidewalk repair in DeTour, a baseball concession stand in Pickford, playground equipment in Moran Township, a computer lab in St. Ignace and summer reading programs in Munising.

"It is incredible and gratifying to see how the Tribe's two-percent contributions benefit communities across the Upper Peninsula, and residents as well," says Tony Goetz, Kewadin Casinos Chief Operating Officer. "We've been able to help schools build library collections, help city governments improve infrastructure and help local law enforcement upgrade their equipment to provide better services to all of us."

U.P. counties receiving monies included: Alger County which received $45,028; Chippewa County which received $410,439; Delta County which received $39,228; Luce County which received $22,000; Mackinac County which received $247,776; Marquette County which received $4,000; and Schoolcraft County which received $18,400.

For information on how to apply for two percent funds, contact Candace Blocher.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Tony Goetz, Kewadin Casinos