Southland Live Casino, Calumet City Gave Away 650 Turkeys in an Hour at Drive-Thru Event Monday
(Calumet City, IL) – Calumet City Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush joined aldermen, firefighters city officials, community leaders and residents at a drive-thru turkey giveaway at the future site of the proposed Southland Live Casino. About 650 turkeys worth $10,000 were distributed in a hour at River Oaks Center.
Mayor Markiewicz Qualkinbush welcomed representatives from Delaware North, the casino’s gaming operator that sponsored the event, and highlighted the many reasons why the time is now for Calumet City and Southland Live Casino.
“Today’s turkey giveaway is a sign of so many good things to come with Southland Live Casino,” she said. “Our 37,000 residents are excited about the job opportunities, the educational partnership with South Suburban College, childcare for team members, and the revitalization of River Oaks Center into an entertainment destination. The time is now for Calumet City!”
COVID-19 safety protocols were enforced during the event. All participants were masked, practiced social distancing, and recipients stayed in their vehicles as volunteers brought turkeys to their cars.
Osi Imomoh, Regional General Manager for Delaware North’s Gaming Division, helped to distribute the turkeys and said Southland Live Casino is projected to generate $45-$50 million in annual state and local taxes, with $6-$8 million benefiting Calumet City.
“From the beginning, we’ve emphasized that this casino will be a community partnership and today’s event reflects our commitment to the community and its residents,” Imomoh said. “Within 90 days of being awarded the license, Southland Live Casino will open a temporary casino at River Oaks’ former Carson Pirie Scott, immediately generating jobs and revenue for the region and state.”
Prior to the drive-thru event Monday, Calumet City officials and Southland Live Casino worked with the Community Resource Center, which provides food and clothing to residents in need, to deliver 72 turkeys to the families it serves.
“This generous donation means a lot for our community,” Mayor Markiewicz Qualkinbush said. “We know many families will have a joyful Thanksgiving with one less expense this holiday and we are so grateful to Southland Live Casino and Delaware North for making it possible.”
Late last month, the Illinois Gaming Board delayed approval for the state’s new casino licenses by at least 6 months due to COVID-19. The board projected that preliminary approval for casino applicants in Rockford and Williamson County could come by April, though decisions for Waukegan and the south suburbs may take longer given the number of applicants competing for licenses.
