Odawa Casino Resort team members voted to support Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan through an optional Blue Jean Day. Several participating team members presented a $500 donation to the organization’s Executive Director, Gail Kloss. Pictured at the donation presentation are (from left) Barry Laughlin, Lila Bertram, Liz Rice, Kloss, Candace Cain, Sherry Schrage and Joe Keller.

Odawa Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, recently presented a $500 Blue Jean Day donation to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM).

Twice a month, Odawa Casino team members may choose to swap out their normal work attire for blue jeans by contributing $2. The funds are then donated to a local non-profit organization selected by team members.

“Odawa Casino Resort is a great partner and supporter of the Women’s Resource Center,” said WRCNM Executive Director, Gail Kloss. “It’s heart-warming and appreciated that their team members decided to support the programs and services Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan offers to the community.”

WRCNM has provided high-quality, comprehensive services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault since 1977. Programs and services have been added in response to community need, such as childcare, preschool, education and employment and the Safe Home shelter.

“This donation is meaningful because it supports Women’s Resource Center programs and services that are not funded or not fully funded, enabling us to continue to provide the quantity and quality of services so many community members rely on,” said Kloss.

Owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the $140 million Odawa Casino in Petoskey opened in June, 2007 and features 1,000 slot machines, 25 table games, a Poker Room, several restaurants, a gift store, a nightclub and a 137-room hotel. Odawa Casino Mackinaw opened in May 2016, and was recently expanded to hold 220 machines and the new Mukwa Bar & Grill.