Page 29 - Jackpot Magazine Tunica ~ February, 2024

Southland gifts $1.7 million to city for animal shelter
WEST MEMPHIS — Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis, Arkansas, in col- laboration with parent company Delaware North, recently announced a $1.7 million gift to the City of West Memphis to fund a new and much larger animal shelter at the site of the former Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Center. The gift is in collabora- tion with the Arkansas Greyhound Kennel Association.
Southland and West Memphis officials participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new shelter, which is being named in honor of Ness Sechrest, chairman emeritus of the Southland board of directors, and his wife, Carolyn.
“Today, it brings us immense pride to announce a $1.7 million gift to the City of West Memphis, earmarked for the estab- lishment of a new and significantly larger animal shelter,” said Osi Imomoh, presi- dent and general manager of Southland Ca- sino Hotel. “In tribute to their unwavering commitment to animal well-being and this community, the shelter will bear the name ‘The Carolyn and Ness Sechrest Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.’”
Imomoh said that Ness Sechrest called attention to the challenges faced by the fa- cility in terms of location and maintenance and the imperative to expand for the better-
Southland donates $1.7 million for new, larger animal shelter.
ment of animal welfare. With the conclusion of racing at Southland, the casino was left with an empty greyhound adoption facility after successfully adopting out all remaining greyhounds.
“The Jacobs family and the Southland Board unanimously agreed that this facility would serve as an ideal location for a new and improved animal shelter,” Imomoh said. “Then the effort involved key part- ners such as the city, led by Mayor Marco McClendon, and our valued partners at the Greyhound Kennel Owners Association, who graciously donated $40,000 to support
the project.”
West Memphis Mayor Marco McClen-
don said, “Thanks to the incredible gen- erosity of Southland Casino Hotel and the Jacobs family, this contribution not only demonstrates the strong commitment that Southland Casino has for our community but also reflects our shared vision for ani- mals in need.
“The new Carolyn & Ness Sechrest Ani- mal Shelter and Adoption Center will be a beacon of hope for and a testament to their love and compassion for the animals and people of our city.”
Rendering of the Carolyn and Ness Sechrest Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
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