Organizations Cash in on Kiowa Jackpot - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Spending your money at any casino can be a gamble. On Friday night, several organizations walked away from Kiowa Casino with a jackpot.

Over the past 3 months, Kiowa set aside one day for a sponsored group as part of the 4th annual Hometown Heroes Program. A percentage of any money spent by Kiowa Rewards Club members on that day, went to the organization.

Kiowa's General Manager and C.O.O James LaPorte said, "Each year we give a part of our proceeds from the gaming floor to a lot of the local community services like fire departments, sheriffs departments and so on. It's just a way for us to give back to the community."

Some of the honorees included fire and police departments from Wichita Falls, Burkburnett and areas of southern Oklahoma. Several non-profit organizations, like The United Way and Faith Mission, were also presented with checks.

Earl Foster is the Fire Chief for the Wichita Falls Fire Department.  He said, "Economic times being like they are, I think every organization that was he tonight certainly appreciates the money and will put it to good use."

With so many organizations wanting to be sponsored, LaPorte said they do all they can to help. "We just continue to try and find each organization that we think services us, services the community and kind of spread it around each year and try to reach everyone we can."

While unsure of what his department will spend the money on, Earl Foster said, "Every little bit does help, it's been a busy 2 years as a matter of fact and were anticipating it remaining busy for the rest of this year."

Here is the complete list of Organizations honored: