Six championship bouts – featuring both male and female amateurs, and a pair of Westchester fighters – will highlight the New York Daily News Golden Gloves at Empire City Casino on Wednesday night, April 2. It will be the fourth consecutive year that Empire City hosts the fabled amateur tournament on the casino’s fourth floor.
In the 108-lb. male novice division, Amauri Berrero of Mt. Vernon, NY, will be fighting on his home turf when he squares off against New York City's Giovanni Figueroa. New Rochelle's Krystal Dixon headlines the 176-lb.+ female division, taking on Danielle Perkins of Brooklyn.
A pair of Bronx natives collide in the 108-lb. male open ranks when Ivan Lopez battles Chayanne Rivera.
In the 119-lb. female division, Joann Acevedo of the Bronx will be pitted against New York City's Misato Kamegawa.
Another pair of championship contests have yet to be announced.
General Admission tickets are $25; Policemen, Firemen, senior citizens, students and children under 14 are $15 (with proper ID). For more information log onto www.nydailynews.com/GoldenGloves; or call Brian Adams at the Daily News at 212-210-1908 (badams@nydailynews.com) or Empire City at 914-968-4200. Doors open at 6:15 PM and first bell is at 7:30 PM sharp. These in-demand tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis only at the door on fight night. Tickets and seating are limited.In 2011, for the first time in the storied history of Yonkers Raceway, hundreds of fans flocked to the raceway to attend the Golden Gloves. The oldest and most esteemed amateur event in the U.S., celebrating its 87th anniversary this season, has produced generations of legendary boxers including Sugar Ray Robinson, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Jose Torres, and Zab Judah.
Yonkers Raceway first opened its doors in 1899, and in over 100 years of its history has been the home to harness racing’s Triple Crown events such as the Yonkers Trot, Cane Pace and Messenger Stakes, as well as such premier stakes races as the Art Rooney Pace. Professional boxing had been held in the Old Glory Horse Pavilion, and many major fights shown on closed circuit television. But the Daily News Golden Gloves, the most elite Golden Gloves tournament in the country for 87 years, became a “first-time starter” in 2011.
FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
EMPIRE CITY CASINO HOSTS DAILY NEWS GOLDEN GLOVES HIGHLIGHTED BY SIX CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS; MT. VERNON STANDOUT AMAURI BERRERO AND NEW ROCHELLE PUGILIST KRYSTAL DIXON TO COMPETE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 2
Unique, intellectual comedy will tickle the funny bone at Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704; 914-968-4200) when Bronx native Adrienne Iapalucci headlines the Good Time Room stage on Wednesday night, April 30.
Iapalucci will be joined by featured artist, Joe Matarese, sharing his personal reflections. Rus Gutin, a regular in the New York City Club scene, will be the MC for the evening. Doors will open at 7:00 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm. Admission is $5 for Empire Club members and $25 for all non-members. Elite Club members gain free admission to the show. All patrons will receive a free drink ticket.
Born and bred in the Bronx, Adrienne Iapalucci’s skewed look on life is reflected in her unique brand of intelligent comedy. Her dark sense of humor is enhanced by her political incorrectness and counteracted by her love of dogs. Comedy fans will recognize Adrienne from her performances as a semifinalist on season 7 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and her recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. In 2009, Adrienne won the first ever People’s Choice award at the New York Comedy Festival. She was also a semifinalist in the festival's New York Funniest Stand-Up Contest and a runner-up in the New York Underground Comedy Festival’s Best of the Boroughs contest. Adrienne has been featured in the Daily News, New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and TimeOut NY magazine. In 2010 Adrienne made her international debut as part of Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival, where she took part in “New Faces”. Adrienne can be seen touring comedy clubs and colleges around the country.
Joe Matarese’s completely autobiographical act pokes fun at his subtly dysfunctional Italian family, his own neuroses, life with a five year old, a baby daughter, and his marriage to a psychologist (his perfect match). After 20 years of failed relationships, his main objective is fixing Joe – he has to if he wants this relationship to work. Joe’s talent for turning real life struggles into comedic gems quickly landed him appearances on the most sought after TV and radio shows including Chelsea Lately (semi regular), appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, his own half hour special on Comedy Central Presents, Comedy TV, AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, Nick Mom’s Night Out, The Howard Stern Show and Breuer Unleashed on Sirius Satellite Radio, Howard On Demand, multiple appearances on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. You may also recognize him from Bravo’s reality series Better Half where he teaches his wife to perform standup and she brings home the $20,000 prize.
Rus Gutin has been a professional stand-up comedian for 14 years, starting at the age of 19 at Caroline’s in Times Square. Since then he has appeared at some of L.A. & NYC's most premiere clubs, including: Stand-Up NY, The Laugh Factory, The Icehouse, and The Improv. He has also appeared in a sketch on Chelsea Lately and as a Finalist on Clorox's Last Comic Sitting with Sherri Shepherd. Currently, Rus is the co-producer of Comedy Juice NY!, an amazing show at Gotham Comedy Club. During his time there, CJNY has hosted some of stand-ups biggest names, including Jerry Seinfeld.
The “Run for the Roses” on the first Saturday in May is revered as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” and Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704) will continue its Kentucky Derby tradition on May 3 with its annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest” and a free 2-horse exacta box wager to add to the thrills.
The first 700 Empire Club members to visit the Gotham Palace promotions booth at 4:00 PM will receive the Kentucky Derby two-horse, $2 exacta box, total wager $4 (limit one per Empire Club member).
The Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, has traditionally been known for the fancy hats worn by Derby-goers, especially, of course, the ladies. Empire City once again hosts its annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest” on May 3. Entrants can register between 2-4:00 PM trackside on the raceway apron wearing their finest hat. Winners picked by a blue ribbon panel will be announced at 5:00 PM. First prize is $500 CASH, second prize is $250 CASH and third prize is $100 CASH. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter; and you must be present to win. The judges will include radio personalities Debbie Nigro, host of “The Debbie Nigro Show” on WFAS; Mike Bennett, co-host of “Mike and Kacey in the Morning” on WHUD; and Joe Faraldo, President of the Standardbred Owners Association.
Empire City will also serve Triple Crown cocktail specials from Kentucky Derby Day on May 3 through the Belmont Stakes on June 7, all priced at $6, and they include: Mint Julep – Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, mint and water in a crushed ice filled glass and garnished with a mint sprig; Black-Eyed Susan – Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, lemon grass and blackberry simple syrup topped with bitters and garnished with a sage leaf; and BelmontBreeze – George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange juice and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
FREE DERBY EXACTA BOX WAGER AND FANCY HAT CONTEST CONTINUE EMPIRE CITY CASINO KENTUCKY DERBY TRADITION ON SATURDAY, MAY 3
Foiled Again eyes a third Levy title, having won this event consecutively in 2009 and 2010. Foiled Again won his first four prelims legs this time around before finishing a non-factor sixth last week.
Yonkers Raceway’s million-dollar, stakes-laden Saturday night program shall also include military veterans demonstrating some newly-acquired horsemanship skills.
The veterans, accompanied by trainer Robbie Siegelman, are going to lead the post parades for the first few races on the 12-race card, which features the $567,000 final of the Levy Memorial Pacing Series and the $371,400 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker.
After their first taste of “catch-driving, “ the veterans, with the family and friends, are going to make winner’s circle presentations before enjoying the remainder of the evening at the races.
Prior to the 7:10 PM first post, a half-dozen Yonkers Police Department are going to present colors and perform the national anthem.The special event is a culmination of efforts by Siegelman, a long-time successful New York-area trainer, HorseAbility of Old Westbury, NY, the Standardbred Owners Association of NY and Yonkers Raceway. Siegelman is a volunteer at HorseAbility, a Old Westbury, NY-based therapeutic center which offers a wide range of equine-related programs to children and adults with special needs.
More on the Levy: The 2014 final of the Levy offers the highest purse in the history of the event—named for the Hall of Fame founder of Roosevelt Raceway--and serves as the richest North American race of the season to the date.
The Levy goes as the 11th of Yonkers’ 12 races, with approximate post time of 10:55 PM.The draw, with declared drivers…1-Sapphire City (Eric Carlson), 2-P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett), 3-Foiled Again (Yannick Gingras), 4-Texican N (Brian Sears), 5-Apprentice Hanover (Jody Jamieson), 6-Bettor’s Edge (George Brennan), 7-Dancin’ Yankee (Ron Pierce), 8-Mach it So (Tim Tetrick).
Note P H Supercam/Mach it So race as a Bamond Racing owned-P J Fraley trained entry, while Foiled Again/Bettor’s Edge race as a Ron Burke owned-trained entry, while Special Forces is the also eligible.
About the Blue Chip Matchmaker: Also on Saturday, the $371,400 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker (race 9, approximate post 10:05 PM) goes as follows:1-Somwherovarainbow (Sears), 2-Yagonnakissmeornot (Dan Dube), 3-Rocklamation (Gingras), 4-Anndrovette (Tetrick), 5-Krispy Apple (Bartlett), 6-Feeling You (Tyler Buter), 7-Angel’s Delight (Brennan), 8-Summertime Lea (Matt Kakaley).
Note Rocklamation/Summertime Lea race as a Ron Burke owned-trained entry, while Anndrovette/Krispy Apple race as a Bamond Racing/Davino-owned, P J Fraley trained entry, while Ramalama is the also eligible.
A pair of series consolations, worth $100,000 (Levy) and $75,000 (Matchmaker), go as races 8 and 10, respectively.
More on HorseAbility: As part of the HorseAbility For Heroes program, Siegelman teaches military veterans and their families to jog Standardbred horses. Last year, the Standardbred Owners Association of NY, the Yonkers’ horsemen’s organization, donated a special jog cart to the program that accommodates the disabled. “I have always felt the importance of giving back to the community, and being able to do that through the sport that I love is a tremendous bonus,” Siegelman said. “Developing the therapeutic driving program with HorseAbility and working with the veterans has been such a personally rewarding experience. I am grateful to Yonkers Raceway and the SOA of NY for making it possible to honor these men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed a great deal in service of our country.” To learn more, please visit www.HorseAbility.org.
Foiled Again (#1) stops the clock in a blistering 1:51 to win his fourth round Levy Memorial dash. Let's tip our caps to Empire City Casino's annual Kentucky Derby "Fancy Hat Contest" 2014 champions, who were crowned on May 3.
The champ: Cruz Cabales of Flushing, NY, took home the grand prize of $500 cash. In second place, collecting $250, was Arlinda Kulsha of Peekskill, NY. Rounding out the podium was Maria Moreira of Mount Vernon, NY, who won $100.
The Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, has traditionally been known for the fancy hats worn by Derby-goers, especially, of course, the ladies.
The judges included radio personalities Debbie Nigro, host of “The Debbie Nigro Show” on WFAS; Mike Bennett, co-host of “Mike and Kacey in the Morning” on WHUD; and Joe Faraldo, President of the Standardbred Owners Association.
Empire City will also serve Triple Crown cocktail specials from Kentucky Derby Day on May 3 through the Belmont Stakes on June 7, all priced at $6, and they include: Mint Julep – Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, mint and water in a crushed ice filled glass and garnished with a mint sprig; Black-Eyed Susan – Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, lemon grass and blackberry simple syrup topped with bitters and garnished with a sage leaf; and Belmont Breeze – George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange juice and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
For those who didn’t get to see the worldwide phenom and Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, at her one and only New York performance in Rockefeller Center Tuesday morning or haven’t scored tickets to her international tour that launches May 22nd to promote her newest album “Blue Smoke,” your luck hasn’t run dry just yet.
Empire City Casino announced the arrival of twenty-two Dolly Parton slot machines, along with some incredible promotions that allow gamers to win autographed photographs of country music’s wealthiest woman, up to $1,000 in a Hot Seat Cash Drawing, or a grand prize trip for two to Nashville and an autographed Dolly Parton Guitar, which is on display at Empire City Casino for viewing and photo opportunities.
Fans will recognize the name of the new spinning reel style machines at Empire City, 9 to 5, as one of the titles of Parton’s most famous hit songs. The slots, created by global gaming technology innovator, IGT (NYSE: IGT), target fans of Parton’s music in an overt way - - Dolly’s voice and music are a constant presence as the reels spin. Players can choose from ten different classic Dolly Parton tracks to listen to while they play. IGT says the game is ideal as a penny-ante machine, where the top prize is $3,000.
Dolly worked with IGT to create slot machines that allow fans of the county music icon to get up close and personal through a series of new slots. Country music and gaming fans alike will not be disappointed with a visit to Empire City Casino to experience the new 9 to 5 slots with innovative and unique bonus features and live concert clips, getting a front row seat to one of the biggest performers of all time.
New York’s famous Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is known to have one of the largest casino floors in the Northeast, offering cutting-edge technology and the newest slots and electronic table games for craps, roulette, sic bo and baccarat.
Tri-State Area Casino Goers Salivating Over Multiple Six-Figure Jackpots at Empire City Casino – the Largest Approaching One Million Dollars
Empire City Casino (Yonkers, NY) has a new record slots jackpot payoff, and it’s in excess of a half million dollars. Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit the record $509,121.96 early this morning just after midnight (Friday, November 14), more than double the previous record, and the largest in the eight-year history of Empire City (opened in 2006).
The life-changing score emanated from a $10 bet at the Wheel of Fortune (Progressive) slot with a $5 denomination.
The former record at Empire City was $247,273 on September 21, 2009.
“We are always thrilled when an Empire City guest hits a six-figure jackpot,” said Michael Palmieri, Vice President of Slot Operations. “It’s obviously exhilarating for the winner, but it’s a big thrill for all of our guests and employees, as well. That the jackpot more than doubled the prior record is amazing, too.”
Tri-state area residents looking to start off the New Year with a big win are heading to Empire City Casino in Westchester County for a chance to score one of 10 jackpots worth six-figures – including one at nearly $800,000 and another over $500,000.
Four of the potential jackpots are at the popular Wheel of Fortune machines, including the $793,000 life-changer at the Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars progressive slot, which requires a 2-credit wager on the $10 machine (total $20 wager) to win the top prize.
Nine other six-figure jackpots include: $513,862 Hot Shot Wide Area Progressive; $199,641 Betty Boop’s Love Meter; $184,056 Wheel of Fortune Secret Spins; $180,491 Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars; $169,857 Blazing 7's Hot Shot Progressive Stacked; $156,854 Wheel of Fortune Big Money; $146,604 Michael Jackson King of Pop; $128,941 Fireball; $125,227 Fireball.
“With a jackpot close to a million dollars on the horizon, it’s going to be another big year for Empire City Casino guests,” said Michael Palmieri, vice president of slot operations. “Recently, Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit for $509,000, the highest jackpot on record at Empire City, and a new record looms large."
There are plenty of jackpots to go around at Empire City, with another eighteen jackpots over $50,000 and hundreds more between $10,000 and $50,000.
Each year, patrons at Empire City Casino win billions of dollars. According to New York State Lottery reports, Empire City Casino returned nearly $7.2 billion to bettors in 2014.
Half Million Dollar Payoff Largest in Eight-Year History
MOOSUE STEFERN OF NEW JERSEY HITS RECORD JACKPOT OF $509,121 AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
Yonkers, NY— Unique, intellectual comedy will tickle the funny bone at Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704; 914-968-4200) when Bronx native Adrienne Iapalucci headlines the Good Time Room stage on Wednesday night, April 30.
Iapalucci will be joined by featured artist, Joe Matarese, sharing his personal reflections. Rus Gutin, a regular in the New York City Club scene, will be the MC for the evening. Doors will open at 7:00 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm. Admission is $5 for Empire Club members and $25 for all non-members. Elite Club members gain free admission to the show. All patrons will receive a free drink ticket.Born and bred in the Bronx, Adrienne Iapalucci’s skewed look on life is reflected in her unique brand of intelligent comedy. Her dark sense of humor is enhanced by her political incorrectness and counteracted by her love of dogs. Comedy fans will recognize Adrienne from her performances as a semifinalist on season 7 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and her recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. In 2009, Adrienne won the first ever People’s Choice award at the New York Comedy Festival. She was also a semifinalist in the festival's New York Funniest Stand-Up Contest and a runner-up in the New York Underground Comedy Festival’s Best of the Boroughs contest. Adrienne has been featured in the Daily News, New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and TimeOut NY magazine. In 2010 Adrienne made her international debut as part of Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival, where she took part in “New Faces”. Adrienne can be seen touring comedy clubs and colleges around the country.
Joe Matarese’s completely autobiographical act pokes fun at his subtly dysfunctional Italian family, his own neuroses, life with a five year old, a baby daughter, and his marriage to a psychologist (his perfect match). After 20 years of failed relationships, his main objective is fixing Joe – he has to if he wants this relationship to work. Joe’s talent for turning real life struggles into comedic gems quickly landed him appearances on the most sought after TV and radio shows including Chelsea Lately (semi regular), appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, his own half hour special on Comedy Central Presents, Comedy TV, AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, Nick Mom’s Night Out, The Howard Stern Show and Breuer Unleashed on Sirius Satellite Radio, Howard On Demand, multiple appearances on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. You may also recognize him from Bravo’s reality series Better Half where he teaches his wife to perform standup and she brings home the $20,000 prize. Rus Gutin has been a professional stand-up comedian for 14 years, starting at the age of 19 at Caroline’s in Times Square. Since then he has appeared at some of L.A. & NYC's most premiere clubs, including: Stand-Up NY, The Laugh Factory, The Icehouse, and The Improv. He has also appeared in a sketch on Chelsea Lately and as a Finalist on Clorox's Last Comic Sitting with Sherri Shepherd. Currently, Rus is the co-producer of Comedy Juice NY!, an amazing show at Gotham Comedy Club. During his time there, CJNY has hosted some of stand-ups biggest names, including Jerry Seinfeld.
National Comedic Talent Brings the Laughs to Empire City Casino
Foiled Again (#1) stops the clock in a blistering 1:51 to win his fourth round Levy Memorial dash. Empire City will also serve Triple Crown cocktail specials from Kentucky Derby Day on May 3 through the Belmont Stakes on June 7, all priced at $6, and they include: Mint Julep – Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, mint and water in a crushed ice filled glass and garnished with a mint sprig; Black-Eyed Susan – Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, lemon grass and blackberry simple syrup topped with bitters and garnished with a sage leaf; and Belmont Breeze – George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange juice and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.Westchester, NY – For those who didn’t get to see the worldwide phenom and Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, at her one and only New York performance in Rockefeller Center Tuesday morning or haven’t scored tickets to her international tour that launches May 22nd to promote her newest album “Blue Smoke,” your luck hasn’t run dry just yet.
Empire City Casino announced the arrival of twenty-two Dolly Parton slot machines, along with some incredible promotions that allow gamers to win autographed photographs of country music’s wealthiest woman, up to $1,000 in a Hot Seat Cash Drawing, or a grand prize trip for two to Nashville and an autographed Dolly Parton Guitar, which is on display at Empire City Casino for viewing and photo opportunities.
Fans will recognize the name of the new spinning reel style machines at Empire City, 9 to 5, as one of the titles of Parton’s most famous hit songs. The slots, created by global gaming technology innovator, IGT (NYSE: IGT), target fans of Parton’s music in an overt way - - Dolly’s voice and music are a constant presence as the reels spin. Players can choose from ten different classic Dolly Parton tracks to listen to while they play. IGT says the game is ideal as a penny-ante machine, where the top prize is $3,000.
Dolly worked with IGT to create slot machines that allow fans of the county music icon to get up close and personal through a series of new slots. Country music and gaming fans alike will not be disappointed with a visit to Empire City Casino to experience the new 9 to 5 slots with innovative and unique bonus features and live concert clips, getting a front row seat to one of the biggest performers of all time.
New York’s famous Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is known to have one of the largest casino floors in the Northeast, offering cutting-edge technology and the newest slots and electronic table games for craps, roulette, sic bo and baccarat.
Empire City Casino Participates in Restaurant Week for the First Time,Highlighting its Newest Restaurants
New York—Empire City Casino’s two new, award-winning restaurants – pinch American Grill and Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar– will be first time participants in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week from November 4-17. The increasingly popular duo will each offer $29.95 three-course dinner menus during the celebration. In addition, Dan Rooney’s will have a $19.95 three course lunch menu available. (The full menus are at the bottom of this release).
The two new restaurants encompass a large portion of the additional 66,000 square foot $50 million expansion recently completed at Empire City Casino. The innovative casual grill, pinch American Grill is a collaboration between Developer Mark Advent, the creator of Las Vegas’ highly successful New York New York Hotel and Casino, and Ducasse Studio, the culinary consulting arm of Alain Ducasse Enterprise. Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub is a fun take on the classic sports pub.
pinch American Grill features an open kitchen, raw bar and pastry counter in a vintage diner-style environment. The beer program undoubtedly serves as a main attraction with an onsite certified beer cicerone and 100 New York craft beers on tap, large format beers, and table-side taps allowing diners to “pour your own” beer.
Not to be outdone by the bar, the pinch menu, created by Chef Fabienne Eymard (Taillevent in Paris, Caprice in Switzerland, Benoit in New York), offers a mix of updated American and international classics. Formerly of Alain Ducasse’s mix in Las Vegas at THE hotel at Mandalay Bay, Executive Pastry Chef Tamber Weiersheuser’s dessert menu features contemporary interpretations of American classics.
Inspired by the original Dan Rooney’s Cafe & Bar built and operated in the early 1900s in Pittsburgh by the family of Tim Rooney, the current owner and operator of Empire City Casino, the new Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar is warm, inviting and casual, featuring dual flame rotisseries, private “snugs” for intimate seating, two fireplaces, and plenty of live musical entertainment. Both the lunch and dinner restaurant week menus for Dan Rooney’s feature the burger that received acclaim from celebrity chefs as the winner of the Burger Battle at the first annual Greenwich Food & Wine Festival.
Both restaurants feature growler shops that allow guests to take their favorite craft beer home for future enjoyment. Make your reservations by phone or online at opentable.com.
Dan Rooney’s 914-457-2531; pinch American Grill 914-457-2541.
Here are the Restaurant Week menus:
PINCH DINNER MENU
APPETIZERS – Choice from: Soup of the day, Rainbow Beet Salad (Includes an endive salad, goat cream cheese and walnuts), or a Ham Brie Cheese & Apple Ciabatta with red coleslaw
ENTREES – Choice from: Hanger Steak (Includes crushed potatoes and bordelaise sauce), Grilled Salmon (salsify with chestnuts), or Roasted Chicken Breast with Bell Pepper Marmalade (Includes caramelized onions and white mushrooms)
DESSERTS- Choice from: Creme Brulee or Cheesecake
DAN ROONEY’S DINNER MENU
APPETIZERS – Choice from: Soup of the day, Spinach and Cheese Tartlet with a mixed green salad, or a Chicken Caesar Salad
ENTREES – Choice from: Pan Seared Trout (Includes almonds, broccolini, and sauteed mushrooms), or a Dan Rooney's Burger (Includes brie, watercress, honey mustard, and a side of fries)
DESSERTS - Choice from: Pecan Pie or Ice Cream Selection
DAN ROONEY’S LUNCH MENU
APPETIZERS – Choice from: House Salad (Includes mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and balsamic dressing) Deviled Eggs with crispy croutons, or Mac & Cheese
ENTREES – Choice from: Fish & Chips with tartar sauce, Open Face Turkey Sandwich (Includes cranberries, stuffing, and roasted sweet potatoes), or a Classic Burger (includes lettuce, onion, tomato, and a side of fries
DESSERTS – Choice from: Apple Pie or Ice Cream Selection
Seventh Annual Campaign to Assist During Holiday Season…
EMPIRE CITY CASINO AT YONKERS RACEWAY PRESIDENT TIMOTHY J. ROONEY SUPPORTS CATHOLIC CHARITIES TO HELP LESS FORTUNATE WITH THE “CHRISTMAS SPIRIT” TOY AND COAT DRIVE NOVEMBER 22 THROUGH DECEMBER 6 AT THE GOTHAM PALACE PROMOTIONS BOOTH
New York, November 14—For the seventh consecutive year, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway President Timothy J. Rooneyand Catholic Charities will team up to make the holiday season happier for the less fortunate. Empire City will host the 15-day “Christmas Spirit Coat and Toy Drive” from Friday, November 22 through Friday, December 6. Empire City will be accepting the donations every day throughout the two weeks at the Gotham Palace promotions booth.
Patrons are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys and/or new or gently used coats anytime during that period. The items will be delivered to Catholic Charities-supported agencies for the Christmas Holidays. The toy and coat drive has become a holiday tradition at Empire City Casino, and thousands of toys and coats have been donated since 2007 when the campaign was launched.
Empire City Casino has a long history of working with Catholic Charities to help New Yorkers in need, non-Catholics and Catholics alike. “There are no greater deeds than charity and service,” says Rooney.
Empire City Casino is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Central Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester County (I-87 to Exit 2).
For Empire City information log onto www.yonkersraceway.com, email info@YonkersRaceway.com, or call 914 968-4200; for Catholic Charities, contact Jacqueline Lofaro at 212-371-1000, or Jacqueline.lofaro@archny.org.
About Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities, a federation of approximately 90 agencies and programs located throughout the 10 counties of the Archdiocese of New York, helps solve the problems of New Yorkers in need – non-Catholics and Catholics alike— with services that protect and nurture children, resolve family crises, assist the hungry and homeless, support the physically and emotionally challenged, and integrate immigrants and refugees.
Yonkers, NY, March 31 -- Six championship bouts – featuring both male and female amateurs, and a pair of Westchester fighters – will highlight the New York Daily News Golden Gloves at Empire City Casino on Wednesday night, April 2. It will be the fourth consecutive year that Empire City hosts the fabled amateur tournament on the casino’s fourth floor.
In the 108-lb. male novice division, Amauri Berrero of Mt. Vernon, NY, will be fighting on his home turf when he squares off against New York City's Giovanni Figueroa. New Rochelle's Krystal Dixon headlines the 176-lb.+ female division, taking on Danielle Perkins of Brooklyn.
A pair of Bronx natives collide in the 108-lb. male open ranks when Ivan Lopez battles Chayanne Rivera.
In the 119-lb. female division, Joann Acevedo of the Bronx will be pitted against New York City's Misato Kamegawa.
Another pair of championship contests have yet to be announced.
General Admission tickets are $25; Policemen, Firemen, senior citizens, students and children under 14 are $15 (with proper ID). For more information log onto www.nydailynews.com/GoldenGloves; or call Brian Adams at the Daily News at 212-210-1908 (badams@nydailynews.com) or Empire City at 914-968-4200. Doors open at 6:15 PM and first bell is at 7:30 PM sharp. These in-demand tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis only at the door on fight night. Tickets and seating are limited.In 2011, for the first time in the storied history of Yonkers Raceway, hundreds of fans flocked to the raceway to attend the Golden Gloves. The oldest and most esteemed amateur event in the U.S., celebrating its 87th anniversary this season, has produced generations of legendary boxers including Sugar Ray Robinson, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Jose Torres, and Zab Judah.
Yonkers Raceway first opened its doors in 1899, and in over 100 years of its history has been the home to harness racing’s Triple Crown events such as the Yonkers Trot, Cane Pace and Messenger Stakes, as well as such premier stakes races as the Art Rooney Pace. Professional boxing had been held in the Old Glory Horse Pavilion, and many major fights shown on closed circuit television. But the Daily News Golden Gloves, the most elite Golden Gloves tournament in the country for 87 years, became a “first-time starter” in 2011.
Contacts: Taryn Duffy, Empire City Casino 914-457-2431, tduffy@empirecitycasino.com;
Frank Drucker, Yonkers Raceway, 914-968-4200, fdrucker@yonkersraceway.com; John Cirillo, Cirillo World 914-260-7436,johnnycigarpr@aol.com; Diego Isio, diego.cirilloworld@gmail.com
For Fourth Consecutive Year…
EMPIRE CITY CASINO HOSTS DAILY NEWS GOLDEN GLOVES HIGHLIGHTED BY SIX CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS; MT. VERNON STANDOUT AMAURI BERRERO AND NEW ROCHELLE PUGILIST KRYSTAL DIXON TO COMPETE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 2
Yonkers, NY— Unique, intellectual comedy will tickle the funny bone at Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704; 914-968-4200) when Bronx native Adrienne Iapalucci headlines the Good Time Room stage on Wednesday night, April 30.
Iapalucci will be joined by featured artist, Joe Matarese, sharing his personal reflections. Rus Gutin, a regular in the New York City Club scene, will be the MC for the evening. Doors will open at 7:00 pm and the show will begin at 8:00 pm. Admission is $5 for Empire Club members and $25 for all non-members. Elite Club members gain free admission to the show. All patrons will receive a free drink ticket.Born and bred in the Bronx, Adrienne Iapalucci’s skewed look on life is reflected in her unique brand of intelligent comedy. Her dark sense of humor is enhanced by her political incorrectness and counteracted by her love of dogs. Comedy fans will recognize Adrienne from her performances as a semifinalist on season 7 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and her recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. In 2009, Adrienne won the first ever People’s Choice award at the New York Comedy Festival. She was also a semifinalist in the festival's New York Funniest Stand-Up Contest and a runner-up in the New York Underground Comedy Festival’s Best of the Boroughs contest. Adrienne has been featured in the Daily News, New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and TimeOut NY magazine. In 2010 Adrienne made her international debut as part of Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival, where she took part in “New Faces”. Adrienne can be seen touring comedy clubs and colleges around the country.
Joe Matarese’s completely autobiographical act pokes fun at his subtly dysfunctional Italian family, his own neuroses, life with a five year old, a baby daughter, and his marriage to a psychologist (his perfect match). After 20 years of failed relationships, his main objective is fixing Joe – he has to if he wants this relationship to work. Joe’s talent for turning real life struggles into comedic gems quickly landed him appearances on the most sought after TV and radio shows including Chelsea Lately (semi regular), appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, his own half hour special on Comedy Central Presents, Comedy TV, AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, Nick Mom’s Night Out, The Howard Stern Show and Breuer Unleashed on Sirius Satellite Radio, Howard On Demand, multiple appearances on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. You may also recognize him from Bravo’s reality series Better Half where he teaches his wife to perform standup and she brings home the $20,000 prize. Rus Gutin has been a professional stand-up comedian for 14 years, starting at the age of 19 at Caroline’s in Times Square. Since then he has appeared at some of L.A. & NYC's most premiere clubs, including: Stand-Up NY, The Laugh Factory, The Icehouse, and The Improv. He has also appeared in a sketch on Chelsea Lately and as a Finalist on Clorox's Last Comic Sitting with Sherri Shepherd. Currently, Rus is the co-producer of Comedy Juice NY!, an amazing show at Gotham Comedy Club. During his time there, CJNY has hosted some of stand-ups biggest names, including Jerry Seinfeld.
National Comedic Talent Brings the Laughs to Empire City Casino
Yonkers, April 25—The “Run for the Roses” on the first Saturday in May is revered as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” and Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704) will continue its Kentucky Derby tradition on May 3 with its annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest” and a free 2-horse exacta box wager to add to the thrills.
The first 700 Empire Club members to visit the Gotham Palace promotions booth at 4:00 PM will receive the Kentucky Derby two-horse, $2 exacta box, total wager $4 (limit one per Empire Club member).The Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, has traditionally been known for the fancy hats worn by Derby-goers, especially, of course, the ladies. Empire City once again hosts its annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest” on May 3. Entrants can register between 2-4:00 PM trackside on the raceway apron wearing their finest hat. Winners picked by a blue ribbon panel will be announced at 5:00 PM. First prize is $500 CASH, second prize is $250 CASH and third prize is $100 CASH. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter; and you must be present to win. The judges will include radio personalities Debbie Nigro, host of “The Debbie Nigro Show” on WFAS; Mike Bennett, co-host of “Mike and Kacey in the Morning” on WHUD; and Joe Faraldo, President of the Standardbred Owners Association.Empire City will also serve Triple Crown cocktail specials from Kentucky Derby Day on May 3 through the Belmont Stakes on June 7, all priced at $6, and they include: Mint Julep – Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, mint and water in a crushed ice filled glass and garnished with a mint sprig; Black-Eyed Susan – Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, lemon grass and blackberry simple syrup topped with bitters and garnished with a sage leaf; and Belmont Breeze – George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange juice and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
SATURDAY, MAY 3YONKERS, NY—Foiled Again, harness racing’s richest pacer with $6,130,968 in career earnings, landed post position No. three for Yonkers Raceway’s $567,000 final of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series on Saturday night, April 26.
Foiled Again eyes a third Levy title, having won this event consecutively in 2009 and 2010. Foiled Again won his first four prelims legs this time around before finishing a non-factor sixth last week.
Yonkers Raceway’s million-dollar, stakes-laden Saturday night program shall also include military veterans demonstrating some newly-acquired horsemanship skills.
The veterans, accompanied by trainer Robbie Siegelman, are going to lead the post parades for the first few races on the 12-race card, which features the $567,000 final of the Levy Memorial Pacing Series and the $371,400 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker.
After their first taste of “catch-driving, “ the veterans, with the family and friends, are going to make winner’s circle presentations before enjoying the remainder of the evening at the races.
Prior to the 7:10 PM first post, a half-dozen Yonkers Police Department are going to present colors and perform the national anthem.The special event is a culmination of efforts by Siegelman, a long-time successful New York-area trainer, HorseAbility of Old Westbury, NY, the Standardbred Owners Association of NY and Yonkers Raceway. Siegelman is a volunteer at HorseAbility, a Old Westbury, NY-based therapeutic center which offers a wide range of equine-related programs to children and adults with special needs.
More on the Levy: The 2014 final of the Levy offers the highest purse in the history of the event—named for the Hall of Fame founder of Roosevelt Raceway--and serves as the richest North American race of the season to the date.
The Levy goes as the 11th of Yonkers’ 12 races, with approximate post time of 10:55 PM.The draw, with declared drivers…1-Sapphire City (Eric Carlson), 2-P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett), 3-Foiled Again (Yannick Gingras), 4-Texican N (Brian Sears), 5-Apprentice Hanover (Jody Jamieson), 6-Bettor’s Edge (George Brennan), 7-Dancin’ Yankee (Ron Pierce), 8-Mach it So (Tim Tetrick).
Note P H Supercam/Mach it So race as a Bamond Racing owned-P J Fraley trained entry, while Foiled Again/Bettor’s Edge race as a Ron Burke owned-trained entry, while Special Forces is the also eligible.
About the Blue Chip Matchmaker: Also on Saturday, the $371,400 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker (race 9, approximate post 10:05 PM) goes as follows:1-Somwherovarainbow (Sears), 2-Yagonnakissmeornot (Dan Dube), 3-Rocklamation (Gingras), 4-Anndrovette (Tetrick), 5-Krispy Apple (Bartlett), 6-Feeling You (Tyler Buter), 7-Angel’s Delight (Brennan), 8-Summertime Lea (Matt Kakaley).
Note Rocklamation/Summertime Lea race as a Ron Burke owned-trained entry, while Anndrovette/Krispy Apple race as a Bamond Racing/Davino-owned, P J Fraley trained entry, while Ramalama is the also eligible.
A pair of series consolations, worth $100,000 (Levy) and $75,000 (Matchmaker), go as races 8 and 10, respectively.
More on HorseAbility: As part of the HorseAbility For Heroes program, Siegelman teaches military veterans and their families to jog Standardbred horses. Last year, the Standardbred Owners Association of NY, the Yonkers’ horsemen’s organization, donated a special jog cart to the program that accommodates the disabled. “I have always felt the importance of giving back to the community, and being able to do that through the sport that I love is a tremendous bonus,” Siegelman said. “Developing the therapeutic driving program with HorseAbility and working with the veterans has been such a personally rewarding experience. I am grateful to Yonkers Raceway and the SOA of NY for making it possible to honor these men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed a great deal in service of our country.” To learn more, please visit www.HorseAbility.org.
Contacts: Frank Drucker, Yonkers Raceway Publicity Director, 914-968-4200, Annie Follansbee, HorseAbility, Director of Development & Programming, 516-333-6151 ext 106, Annie@HorseAbility.Org); John Cirillo/Cirillo World,johnnycigarpr@aol.com
Foiled Again (#1) stops the clock in a blistering 1:51 to win his fourth round Levy Memorial dash. Empire City will also serve Triple Crown cocktail specials from Kentucky Derby Day on May 3 through the Belmont Stakes on June 7, all priced at $6, and they include: Mint Julep – Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, mint and water in a crushed ice filled glass and garnished with a mint sprig; Black-Eyed Susan – Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, lemon grass and blackberry simple syrup topped with bitters and garnished with a sage leaf; and Belmont Breeze – George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange juice and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.Westchester, NY – For those who didn’t get to see the worldwide phenom and Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, at her one and only New York performance in Rockefeller Center Tuesday morning or haven’t scored tickets to her international tour that launches May 22nd to promote her newest album “Blue Smoke,” your luck hasn’t run dry just yet.
Empire City Casino announced the arrival of twenty-two Dolly Parton slot machines, along with some incredible promotions that allow gamers to win autographed photographs of country music’s wealthiest woman, up to $1,000 in a Hot Seat Cash Drawing, or a grand prize trip for two to Nashville and an autographed Dolly Parton Guitar, which is on display at Empire City Casino for viewing and photo opportunities.
Fans will recognize the name of the new spinning reel style machines at Empire City, 9 to 5, as one of the titles of Parton’s most famous hit songs. The slots, created by global gaming technology innovator, IGT (NYSE: IGT), target fans of Parton’s music in an overt way - - Dolly’s voice and music are a constant presence as the reels spin. Players can choose from ten different classic Dolly Parton tracks to listen to while they play. IGT says the game is ideal as a penny-ante machine, where the top prize is $3,000.
Dolly worked with IGT to create slot machines that allow fans of the county music icon to get up close and personal through a series of new slots. Country music and gaming fans alike will not be disappointed with a visit to Empire City Casino to experience the new 9 to 5 slots with innovative and unique bonus features and live concert clips, getting a front row seat to one of the biggest performers of all time.
New York’s famous Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is known to have one of the largest casino floors in the Northeast, offering cutting-edge technology and the newest slots and electronic table games for craps, roulette, sic bo and baccarat.
Contacts: Empire City Casino – Taryn Duffy 914-457-2431 tduffy@empirecitycasino.com
IGT – Shanna Sabet, 702-669-7537 shanna.sabet@igt.com
John Cirillo, Cirillo World 914-260-7436, johnnycigarpr@aol.com
Namesake Slots for Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, Unveiled at Empire City Casino as Worldwide Tour Launches to Promote Newest Album +‘Blue Smoke’
New York, November 14 — Empire City Casino (Yonkers, NY) has a new record slots jackpot payoff, and it’s in excess of a half million dollars. Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit the record $509,121.96 early this morning just after midnight (Friday, November 14), more than double the previous record, and the largest in the eight-year history of Empire City (opened in 2006).
The life-changing score emanated from a $10 bet at the Wheel of Fortune (Progressive) slot with a $5 denomination.
The former record at Empire City was $247,273 on September 21, 2009.
“We are always thrilled when an Empire City guest hits a six-figure jackpot,” said Michael Palmieri, Vice President of Slot Operations. “It’s obviously exhilarating for the winner, but it’s a big thrill for all of our guests and employees, as well. That the jackpot more than doubled the prior record is amazing, too.”
About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway: Empire City Casino, one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the country, features 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo; year-round harness racing & International simulcasting from North America’s leading harness and thoroughbred venues; nightly live entertainment including the best party and Latin bands, dueling pianos, comedy, karaoke & more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy the most discerning palate: enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Nonno’s Trattoria; dine trackside with live betting at Empire Terrace Restaurant; convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Grab ‘n Go. As part of a new $50 million expansion, Dan Rooney’s high-energy sports bar boasts creations by Michelin-starred Chef Christopher Lee; and coming soon, in collaboration with Ducasse Studios, Pinch will not only whet the appetite but also feature 100 New York craft beers with an in-house Master Cicerone; a craft cocktail lounge will round out the entertainment options with retro bowling lanes. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Central Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester County (I-87 to Exit 2), open seven days a week from9:00am to 4:00am. Connect with us on facebook.com/empirecity, follow us on twitter.com/EmpireCity_C, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for more information.
Half Million Dollar Payoff Largest in Eight-Year History…
MOOSUE STEFERN OF NEW JERSEY HITS RECORD JACKPOT OF $509,121 AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
New York, January 7, 2015 — Tri-state area residents looking to start off the New Year with a big win are heading to Empire City Casino in Westchester County for a chance to score one of 10 jackpots worth six-figures – including one at nearly $800,000 and another over $500,000.
Four of the potential jackpots are at the popular Wheel of Fortune machines, including the $793,000 life-changer at the Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars progressive slot, which requires a 2-credit wager on the $10 machine (total $20 wager) to win the top prize.
Nine other six-figure jackpots include: $513,862 Hot Shot Wide Area Progressive; $199,641 Betty Boop’s Love Meter; $184,056 Wheel of Fortune Secret Spins; $180,491 Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars; $169,857 Blazing 7's Hot Shot Progressive Stacked; $156,854 Wheel of Fortune Big Money; $146,604 Michael Jackson King of Pop; $128,941 Fireball; $125,227 Fireball.
“With a jackpot close to a million dollars on the horizon, it’s going to be another big year for Empire City Casino guests,” said Michael Palmieri, vice president of slot operations. “Recently, Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit for $509,000, the highest jackpot on record at Empire City, and a new record looms large."
There are plenty of jackpots to go around at Empire City, with another eighteen jackpots over $50,000 and hundreds more between $10,000 and $50,000.
Each year, patrons at Empire City Casino win billions of dollars. According to New York State Lottery reports, Empire City Casino returned nearly $7.2 billion to bettors in 2014.
About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway:
Empire City Casino, one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast, features 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo; year-round harness racing & International simulcasting; live entertainment including the best party, tribute and Latin bands, comedy, & more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with Italian cuisine atNonno’s Trattoria; trackside dining with live betting at Empire Terrace Restaurant; and convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Lil Cocina. A new $50 million expansion added Dan Rooney’s, a high-energy sports bar, Pinch American Grill, in collaboration with Ducasse Studio, featuring dozens of New York craft beers on tap, and Alley 810, a craft cocktail lounge rounds out the entertainment options with retro bowling lanes. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00am to 6:00am. Visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for information.
Tri-State Area Casino Goers Salivating Over Multiple Six-Figure Jackpots at Empire City Casino – the Largest Approaching One Million Dollars
Cirillo World
Servicing Sports, Entertainment & Culinary public relations & management Clients since 1997
(From top Left, Mulrooney, Pappas, Kirson, Shaffir)
St. Patrick’s Festivities Begin Early
SHILELAGH LAW, CELTIC CROSS INDOOR CONCERT AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO ON SUNDAY, MARCH 8th
***Pipes & Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester to Perform; Tickets are on Sale Now***
KEVIN CURRAN OF YONKERS HITS $100,000 JACKPOT AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO; 10 SIX-FIGURE JACKPOTS ARE HEATING UP THE COLD JANUARY AIR
Empire City Casino Participates in Restaurant Week for the First Time,Highlighting its Newest Restaurants
Empire City Casino’s two new, award-winning restaurants – pinch American Grill and Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar– will be first time participants in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week from November 4-17. The increasingly popular duo will each offer $29.95 three-course dinner menus during the celebration. In addition, Dan Rooney’s will have a $19.95 three course lunch menu available. (The full menus are at the bottom of this release).
The two new restaurants encompass a large portion of the additional 66,000 square foot $50 million expansion recently completed at Empire City Casino. The innovative casual grill, pinch American Grill is a collaboration between Developer Mark Advent, the creator of Las Vegas’ highly successful New York New York Hotel and Casino, and Ducasse Studio, the culinary consulting arm of Alain Ducasse Enterprise. Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub is a fun take on the classic sports pub.
pinch American Grill features an open kitchen, raw bar and pastry counter in a vintage diner-style environment. The beer program undoubtedly serves as a main attraction with an onsite certified beer cicerone and 100 New York craft beers on tap, large format beers, and table-side taps allowing diners to “pour your own” beer.
Not to be outdone by the bar, the pinch menu, created by Chef Fabienne Eymard (Taillevent in Paris, Caprice in Switzerland, Benoit in New York), offers a mix of updated American and international classics. Formerly of Alain Ducasse’s mix in Las Vegas at THE hotel at Mandalay Bay, Executive Pastry Chef Tamber Weiersheuser’s dessert menu features contemporary interpretations of American classics.
Inspired by the original Dan Rooney’s Cafe & Bar built and operated in the early 1900s in Pittsburgh by the family of Tim Rooney, the current owner and operator of Empire City Casino, the new Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar is warm, inviting and casual, featuring dual flame rotisseries, private “snugs” for intimate seating, two fireplaces, and plenty of live musical entertainment. Both the lunch and dinner restaurant week menus for Dan Rooney’s feature the burger that received acclaim from celebrity chefs as the winner of the Burger Battle at the first annual Greenwich Food & Wine Festival.
Both restaurants feature growler shops that allow guests to take their favorite craft beer home for future enjoyment. Make your reservations by phone or online at opentable.com.
Dan Rooney’s 914-457-2531; pinch American Grill 914-457-2541.
Here are the Restaurant Week menus:
PINCH DINNER MENU
APPETIZERS – Choice from: Soup of the day, Rainbow Beet Salad (Includes an endive salad, goat cream cheese and walnuts), or a Ham Brie Cheese & Apple Ciabatta with red coleslaw
ENTREES – Choice from: Hanger Steak (Includes crushed potatoes and bordelaise sauce), Grilled Salmon (salsify with chestnuts), or Roasted Chicken Breast with Bell Pepper Marmalade (Includes caramelized onions and white mushrooms)
DESSERTS- Choice from: Creme Brulee or Cheesecake
DAN ROONEY’S DINNER MENU
APPETIZERS – Choice from: Soup of the day, Spinach and Cheese Tartlet with a mixed green salad, or a Chicken Caesar Salad
ENTREES – Choice from: Pan Seared Trout (Includes almonds, broccolini, and sauteed mushrooms), or a Dan Rooney's Burger (Includes brie, watercress, honey mustard, and a side of fries)
DESSERTS - Choice from: Pecan Pie or Ice Cream Selection
DAN ROONEY’S LUNCH MENU
APPETIZERS – Choice from: House Salad (Includes mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and balsamic dressing) Deviled Eggs with crispy croutons, or Mac & Cheese
ENTREES – Choice from: Fish & Chips with tartar sauce, Open Face Turkey Sandwich (Includes cranberries, stuffing, and roasted sweet potatoes), or a Classic Burger (includes lettuce, onion, tomato, and a side of fries
DESSERTS – Choice from: Apple Pie or Ice Cream Selection
For the seventh consecutive year, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway President Timothy J. Rooneyand Catholic Charities will team up to make the holiday season happier for the less fortunate. Empire City will host the 15-day “Christmas Spirit Coat and Toy Drive” from Friday, November 22 through Friday, December 6. Empire City will be accepting the donations every day throughout the two weeks at the Gotham Palace promotions booth.
Patrons are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys and/or new or gently used coats anytime during that period. The items will be delivered to Catholic Charities-supported agencies for the Christmas Holidays. The toy and coat drive has become a holiday tradition at Empire City Casino, and thousands of toys and coats have been donated since 2007 when the campaign was launched.
Empire City Casino has a long history of working with Catholic Charities to help New Yorkers in need, non-Catholics and Catholics alike. “There are no greater deeds than charity and service,” says Rooney.
Empire City Casino is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Central Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester County (I-87 to Exit 2).
For Empire City information log onto www.yonkersraceway.com, email info@YonkersRaceway.com, or call 914 968-4200; for Catholic Charities, contact Jacqueline Lofaro at 212-371-1000, or Jacqueline.lofaro@archny.org.
About Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities, a federation of approximately 90 agencies and programs located throughout the 10 counties of the Archdiocese of New York, helps solve the problems of New Yorkers in need – non-Catholics and Catholics alike— with services that protect and nurture children, resolve family crises, assist the hungry and homeless, support the physically and emotionally challenged, and integrate immigrants and refugees.Yonkers, April 25—The “Run for the Roses” on the first Saturday in May is revered as the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” and Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704) will continue its Kentucky Derby tradition on May 3 with its annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest” and a free 2-horse exacta box wager to add to the thrills.
The first 700 Empire Club members to visit the Gotham Palace promotions booth at 4:00 PM will receive the Kentucky Derby two-horse, $2 exacta box, total wager $4 (limit one per Empire Club member).The Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, has traditionally been known for the fancy hats worn by Derby-goers, especially, of course, the ladies. Empire City once again hosts its annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest” on May 3. Entrants can register between 2-4:00 PM trackside on the raceway apron wearing their finest hat. Winners picked by a blue ribbon panel will be announced at 5:00 PM. First prize is $500 CASH, second prize is $250 CASH and third prize is $100 CASH. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter; and you must be present to win. The judges will include radio personalities Debbie Nigro, host of “The Debbie Nigro Show” on WFAS; Mike Bennett, co-host of “Mike and Kacey in the Morning” on WHUD; and Joe Faraldo, President of the Standardbred Owners Association.Empire City will also serve Triple Crown cocktail specials from Kentucky Derby Day on May 3 through the Belmont Stakes on June 7, all priced at $6, and they include: Mint Julep – Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, sugar, mint and water in a crushed ice filled glass and garnished with a mint sprig; Black-Eyed Susan – Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, lemon grass and blackberry simple syrup topped with bitters and garnished with a sage leaf; and Belmont Breeze – George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange juice and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
SATURDAY, MAY 3YONKERS, NY—Foiled Again, harness racing’s richest pacer with $6,130,968 in career earnings, landed post position No. three for Yonkers Raceway’s $567,000 final of the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series on Saturday night, April 26.
Foiled Again eyes a third Levy title, having won this event consecutively in 2009 and 2010. Foiled Again won his first four prelims legs this time around before finishing a non-factor sixth last week.
Yonkers Raceway’s million-dollar, stakes-laden Saturday night program shall also include military veterans demonstrating some newly-acquired horsemanship skills.
The veterans, accompanied by trainer Robbie Siegelman, are going to lead the post parades for the first few races on the 12-race card, which features the $567,000 final of the Levy Memorial Pacing Series and the $371,400 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker.
After their first taste of “catch-driving, “ the veterans, with the family and friends, are going to make winner’s circle presentations before enjoying the remainder of the evening at the races.
Prior to the 7:10 PM first post, a half-dozen Yonkers Police Department are going to present colors and perform the national anthem.The special event is a culmination of efforts by Siegelman, a long-time successful New York-area trainer, HorseAbility of Old Westbury, NY, the Standardbred Owners Association of NY and Yonkers Raceway. Siegelman is a volunteer at HorseAbility, a Old Westbury, NY-based therapeutic center which offers a wide range of equine-related programs to children and adults with special needs.
More on the Levy: The 2014 final of the Levy offers the highest purse in the history of the event—named for the Hall of Fame founder of Roosevelt Raceway--and serves as the richest North American race of the season to the date.
The Levy goes as the 11th of Yonkers’ 12 races, with approximate post time of 10:55 PM.The draw, with declared drivers…1-Sapphire City (Eric Carlson), 2-P H Supercam (Jason Bartlett), 3-Foiled Again (Yannick Gingras), 4-Texican N (Brian Sears), 5-Apprentice Hanover (Jody Jamieson), 6-Bettor’s Edge (George Brennan), 7-Dancin’ Yankee (Ron Pierce), 8-Mach it So (Tim Tetrick).
Note P H Supercam/Mach it So race as a Bamond Racing owned-P J Fraley trained entry, while Foiled Again/Bettor’s Edge race as a Ron Burke owned-trained entry, while Special Forces is the also eligible.
About the Blue Chip Matchmaker: Also on Saturday, the $371,400 final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker (race 9, approximate post 10:05 PM) goes as follows:1-Somwherovarainbow (Sears), 2-Yagonnakissmeornot (Dan Dube), 3-Rocklamation (Gingras), 4-Anndrovette (Tetrick), 5-Krispy Apple (Bartlett), 6-Feeling You (Tyler Buter), 7-Angel’s Delight (Brennan), 8-Summertime Lea (Matt Kakaley).
Note Rocklamation/Summertime Lea race as a Ron Burke owned-trained entry, while Anndrovette/Krispy Apple race as a Bamond Racing/Davino-owned, P J Fraley trained entry, while Ramalama is the also eligible.
A pair of series consolations, worth $100,000 (Levy) and $75,000 (Matchmaker), go as races 8 and 10, respectively.
More on HorseAbility: As part of the HorseAbility For Heroes program, Siegelman teaches military veterans and their families to jog Standardbred horses. Last year, the Standardbred Owners Association of NY, the Yonkers’ horsemen’s organization, donated a special jog cart to the program that accommodates the disabled. “I have always felt the importance of giving back to the community, and being able to do that through the sport that I love is a tremendous bonus,” Siegelman said. “Developing the therapeutic driving program with HorseAbility and working with the veterans has been such a personally rewarding experience. I am grateful to Yonkers Raceway and the SOA of NY for making it possible to honor these men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed a great deal in service of our country.” To learn more, please visit www.HorseAbility.org.
Contacts: Frank Drucker, Yonkers Raceway Publicity Director, 914-968-4200, Annie Follansbee, HorseAbility, Director of Development & Programming, 516-333-6151 ext 106, Annie@HorseAbility.Org); John Cirillo/Cirillo World,johnnycigarpr@aol.com
Contacts: Empire City Casino – Taryn Duffy 914-457-2431 tduffy@empirecitycasino.com
IGT – Shanna Sabet, 702-669-7537 shanna.sabet@igt.com
John Cirillo, Cirillo World 914-260-7436, johnnycigarpr@aol.com
Namesake Slots for Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, Unveiled at Empire City Casino as Worldwide Tour Launches to Promote Newest Album +‘Blue Smoke’
Tri-State Area Casino Goers Salivating Over Multiple Six-Figure Jackpots at Empire City Casino – the Largest Approaching One Million Dollars
New York, November 14 — Empire City Casino (Yonkers, NY) has a new record slots jackpot payoff, and it’s in excess of a half million dollars. Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit the record $509,121.96 early this morning just after midnight (Friday, November 14), more than double the previous record, and the largest in the eight-year history of Empire City (opened in 2006).
The life-changing score emanated from a $10 bet at the Wheel of Fortune (Progressive) slot with a $5 denomination.
The former record at Empire City was $247,273 on September 21, 2009.
“We are always thrilled when an Empire City guest hits a six-figure jackpot,” said Michael Palmieri, Vice President of Slot Operations. “It’s obviously exhilarating for the winner, but it’s a big thrill for all of our guests and employees, as well. That the jackpot more than doubled the prior record is amazing, too.”
About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway: Empire City Casino, one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the country, features 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo; year-round harness racing & International simulcasting from North America’s leading harness and thoroughbred venues; nightly live entertainment including the best party and Latin bands, dueling pianos, comedy, karaoke & more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy the most discerning palate: enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Nonno’s Trattoria; dine trackside with live betting at Empire Terrace Restaurant; convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Grab ‘n Go. As part of a new $50 million expansion, Dan Rooney’s high-energy sports bar boasts creations by Michelin-starred Chef Christopher Lee; and coming soon, in collaboration with Ducasse Studios, Pinch will not only whet the appetite but also feature 100 New York craft beers with an in-house Master Cicerone; a craft cocktail lounge will round out the entertainment options with retro bowling lanes. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Central Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester County (I-87 to Exit 2), open seven days a week from9:00am to 4:00am. Connect with us on facebook.com/empirecity, follow us on twitter.com/EmpireCity_C, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for more information.
New York, January 7, 2015 — Tri-state area residents looking to start off the New Year with a big win are heading to Empire City Casino in Westchester County for a chance to score one of 10 jackpots worth six-figures – including one at nearly $800,000 and another over $500,000.
Four of the potential jackpots are at the popular Wheel of Fortune machines, including the $793,000 life-changer at the Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars progressive slot, which requires a 2-credit wager on the $10 machine (total $20 wager) to win the top prize.
Nine other six-figure jackpots include: $513,862 Hot Shot Wide Area Progressive; $199,641 Betty Boop’s Love Meter; $184,056 Wheel of Fortune Secret Spins; $180,491 Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars; $169,857 Blazing 7's Hot Shot Progressive Stacked; $156,854 Wheel of Fortune Big Money; $146,604 Michael Jackson King of Pop; $128,941 Fireball; $125,227 Fireball.
“With a jackpot close to a million dollars on the horizon, it’s going to be another big year for Empire City Casino guests,” said Michael Palmieri, vice president of slot operations. “Recently, Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit for $509,000, the highest jackpot on record at Empire City, and a new record looms large."
There are plenty of jackpots to go around at Empire City, with another eighteen jackpots over $50,000 and hundreds more between $10,000 and $50,000.
Each year, patrons at Empire City Casino win billions of dollars. According to New York State Lottery reports, Empire City Casino returned nearly $7.2 billion to bettors in 2014.
About Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway:
Empire City Casino, one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast, features 5,300 of the hottest slots, electronic craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo; year-round harness racing & International simulcasting; live entertainment including the best party, tribute and Latin bands, comedy, & more. A plethora of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with Italian cuisine atNonno’s Trattoria; trackside dining with live betting at Empire Terrace Restaurant; and convenient delicious options at the International Food Court or Lil Cocina. A new $50 million expansion added Dan Rooney’s, a high-energy sports bar, Pinch American Grill, in collaboration with Ducasse Studio, featuring dozens of New York craft beers on tap, and Alley 810, a craft cocktail lounge rounds out the entertainment options with retro bowling lanes. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00am to 6:00am. Visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200 for information.
Half Million Dollar Payoff Largest in Eight-Year History…
MOOSUE STEFERN OF NEW JERSEY HITS RECORD JACKPOT OF $509,121 AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND NATIVE, LONGTIME YONKERS RESIDENT GUSS HAYES A FIXTURE AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
Empire City Casino At Yonkers Raceway Hosts Walk To Cure Diabetes; Vice President And COO Bob Galterio Captains “Cure For Cara” Team
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Vice President and COO Bob Galterio’s daughter Cara was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 9, and the Bedford resident immediately was compelled to take action to fight the disease.
So, “Cure for Cara” was born. That was 13 years ago, and on Sunday, October 6, more than 2,500 Empire City employees, volunteers and participants gathered at Empire City at Yonkers Raceway to take action in the Walk to Cure Diabetes for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Galterio served as captain of the “Cure for Cara” team.
With the help of many volunteers and donors, JDRF is moving research from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside, translating scientific advances into longer, healthier lives for those with diabetes, moving closer to its goal...a cure for diabetes and its complications.
Approximately 2,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools, and other organizations participated in the Westchester County Chapter of the JDRF annual Walk to Cure Diabetes on the 6th. The fundraising goal for the chapter is to realize nearly $600,000 for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications.
“It’s great to be partnering with JDRF and working together on such an important goal – curing a disease that kills one American every three minutes. The recent statistics are staggering and reveal that health care expenditures surrounding diabetes cost our nation more than $174 billion,” says Corporate Walk Chair, Bob Galterio, Vice President and COO of Empire City Casino. “These are the reasons we are committed to raising money for the cutting-edge research that JDRF funds. By working together, we can make a difference.”
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL LEGISLATORS PACE RECAP
On October 19 at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, the Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Festival highlighted the thriving relationship between agriculture and horse racing throughout New York State. A host of fun, family-friendly events adorned the raceway apron, while the annual Legislators’ Challenge featured 10 of the state’s elected officials in non-wagering—but ultra-competitive—battle.
Assembly Member Andrew Garbarino (R-Suffolk) won the "rookie" division with Cockney Hanover in a first-up 2:11.4. Holland was also there, offering minimal assistance.
Assembly Member Keith Wright (D-Harlem) crossed winning a Legislators' Challenge off his bucket list, teaming with Strong Signal (and, to a lesser extent, Bartlett) to win the "veterans" division from the pocket in 2:11.3.
Assembly Member Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers), a winner a year, joined with Kandi Chip (and Bartlett) to whip a pair of other previous winners--Assembly Member Joe Saladino (R-Massapequa) and Assembly Member Gary Pretlow (D-Mt. Vernon) in a night's-fastest 2:09.4.
There was also a Racing Under Saddle exhibition, with John-Michael and Mary Dolce Conti giving nothing else a chance. The pair teamed to win the mile-and-one-sixteenth event by 9¼ lengths in 2:15.
The Raceway's five-night-per-week live schedule continues, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
Trio of Ladies Hit $100,000+ Jackpots at
Empire City Casino in June
"Let Luck be a lady tonight; never let her out of your sight," crooned Frank Sinatra in one of his hit classics. And June has slot-players at Empire City Casino singing that happy tune with a trio of luck ladies hitting jackpots worth $100,000 and up.
Summer has flown by in typical fashion and parents and students are gearing up for the beginning of the school year. For most, that means new clothes, shoes, and lots of school supplies. But for many, getting the school supplies their children need to start the year off right can be a financial burden.
According to statistics provided by the National Retail Federation, the average parent spends hundreds of dollars on back-to-school items, including $101.18 on school supplies, $355.76 on clothing and shoes and $212.35 on electronics.
To help families and students in need, the City of Yonkers is hosting its fourth annual “Backpack to School” drive to collect school supplies for elementary students who need them. That initiative just received a huge boost with the donation of 300 new backpacks from Empire City Casino.
That’s not the only boost New York State schools and teachers receive from Empire City, the Yonkers casino and raceway generates nearly $300 million annually for state education. In the past 8 years operating as a casino, the property has generated over $2.3 billion that has gone directly to fund education in New York.
“Families with children returning to school have a heavy financial burden at this time of year, and it’s important that the community lend a helping hand,” said Empire City’s president, Tim Rooney. “We’re proud of the funds we generate each year to support teachers and students across the state and encourage all who are able to do what they can to support the Backpack to School Drive.”
For more information on the “Backpack to School” program and drop off locations, visit www.cityofyonkers.com/government/mayor-s-office/initiatives/backpack-to-school-drive
WITCH DALI SWEEPS THREE PETTICOAT PACING PRELIMS; $54,000 SERIES FINAL MARCH 30th
Yonkers Resident and County Mayo, Ireland Native
Ursula McIntyre, an employee of Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, has been named “Woman of the Year” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter for her recent herculean fundraising efforts.
ART ROONEY PACE REMEMBERS STEELERS FOUNDING FATHER AT YONKERS RACEWAY JUNE 1
Saddle Brook, NJ Resident Hits $100,000 Jackpot
Record Breaker Is Still Up for Grabs at Empire City Casino
The sixth annual Dick McGuire Trot brought the best three-year-old trotters bred in New York and the McGuire Family to Yonkers Raceway on August 10th, with rousing victories by highly-regarded Crazy Wow and Buen Camino as the odds-on favorites driven by Yannick Gingras and Trond Shmedshammer, respectively, in the pair of $80,000 plus divisions for N.Y.S.S. colts and geldings.
McGuire, the legendary Knicks and St. John’s Hall of Fame point guard who was an ardent horseplayer, too, was remembered by his wife Teri, son Scott, daughter Leslie Dwyer, her husband Tom Dwyer and Dickie’s granddaughter Taryn Dwyer, in the winner’s circle presentations, and for an evening of racing celebrated in Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar at Empire City Casino, home of the historic Yonkers half-mile oval.
While the McGuire is in the books, plenty of stakes action still remains on the calendar in August and September, and then concludes with an October coup de grace - the much-anticipated return of the International Trot on October 10th for a purse of $1 million when the finest trotters from across the globe make their way to American shores, final destination Yonkers, New York in Westchester County.
The August stakes on the horizon include: the Lew Barasch Trot for freshmen colts and geldings on August 17th, which remembers the publicist extraordinaire from Roosevelt Raceway, who later made the International a fixture at Yonkers; and the eliminations Triple Crown jewels, the Yonkers Trot and Messenger Stakes on August 29. September action is highlighted by the Mike Cipriani Trot for three-year-old NYSS fillies on the first, paying homage to one of the greatest harness lensmen of all time who extraordinarily photographed the greatest trotters and pacers to ever race at Yonkers; the Frank Becerra Pace for freshmen NYSS fillies on September 3rd, remembering the remarkable Journal News sports cartoonist and good guy; and the $500,000 finals of the Yonkers Trot and Messenger Pace on September 5th.
The Raceway’s live season continues Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (all at 7:10 PM), with a Tuesdaymatinee (first post 1 PM). Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon simulcasting available daily. Photo by Mike Lizzi.
A Bronx women hit a $191,023 jackpot at Empire City Casino on January 24, the second six-figure score in January. There are still seven jackpots worth six-figures reading for the taking at the Yonkers casino.
The winner made a $6 wager at one of the popular Wheel of Fortune slots, and a life-changing $810,000 jackpot is still up for grabs, would-be record at Empire City.
Last November 14, Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit the record $509,121.96, more than double the previous record, and currently the largest in the eight-year history of Empire City (opened in 2006).
According to New York State Lottery reports, Empire City Casino returned nearly $7.2 billion to bettors in 2014.
There was a different kind of celebration in the Yonkers Raceway Winner’s Circle recently. Instead of a trophy presentation to the owners and driver of a victorious horse, a champagne toast marked the engagement of Alisha Christine Cleary and Jordan Michael Herbert in what is believed to be the first such proposal in the 116-year history of one of the country’s most iconic racetracks.
This “Call to the Post,” the ceremonious bugling that calls horses to the track, certainly had a different “ring” to it!
Yonkers Raceway is a special place for this Wisconsin couple, who traveled more than 800 miles for their recent visit. Alisha is the daughter of Mike Cleary, longtime director of operations at Yonkers Raceway, and it was the first place she brought her future groom when they visited New York as a courting couple.
“I chose Yonkers Raceway because I know it is a special place for Alisha and her family, and knew it would make for another great memory,” said Herbert. “I’ve been planning this for four months.”
After dinner, Jordan arranged for the couple to get up close and personal with the horses. The couple rode in the track starting car to kick off the eighth horse race, something they did on their very first visit to Yonkers Raceway. When they returned to the Winner’s Circle, Jordan dropped to one knee and made history with the first-ever Winner’s Circle proposal at the historic track.
Alisha and Jordan will always remember Yonkers Raceway, and New York, as the place they began a new chapter of their lives together. There have been weddings at the Raceway, including the 777 and 888 affairs at the property’s casino, and many couples are known to have met there. But it seems there has never before been a marriage proposal in the Winner’s Circle.
Click Here for Photos
Photo Credit: Tom Berg
About Alisha and Jordan: The couple met at Edgewood High School in Wisconsin more than a decade ago. Fate brought them together again during their college years and they have been sweethearts ever since. Jordan is 24 years old with a BS in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Alisha is 23 and graduating Edgewood College with a degree in sociology. The couple currently lives in Minneapolis, MN because of jobs, and plans to start married life in Minnesota. They are considering returning to Wisconsin, and have not ruled out relocating to New York. The date of the marriage proposal was Monday, June 29, 2015.
Temperatures Frigid Outside, Jackpots Hot in Yonkers, NY
ELLA FROM BROOKLYN HITS $222,459 JACKPOT AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO, THIRD LARGEST IN HISTORY; RECORD $868,000 LIFE-CHANGER STILL LOOMING
We’re big pants people!” March will roar in with a huge laugh at Empire City Casino (810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704; 914-968-4200) when exceedingly-popular comedian Kevin Meaney takes the stage to delight the audience with his insanely funny routines on Wednesday, March 12, in the casino’s Good Time Room. Known for his role as Uncle Buck in the TV sitcom, and his many national appearances on late night shows with Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Conan O’Brien, Meaney will be the evening’s headliner.
Additional comedic flair will come from Buddy Fitzpatrick, while Moody McCarthy will be MC for the show. Doors will open at 7:00 PM, while performances get underway at 8:00 PM. Admission is $5 for Empire Club members and $15 for all non-members; a free drink ticket will be given to all patrons.
Hilarious Kevin Meaney is a star of both the small screen and live stand-up, with making people laugh a top priority. From his early years doing standup comedy in San Francisco and Boston he's amassed an impressive list of credits on the road to stardom. His first HBO special in 1986 catapulted him to the forefront of the comedy scene. In 1987, Kevin made his debut appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and was invited by Johnny to join the guest panel. Since his first appearance, Kevin returned to the show a dozen times.
He was a special guest on Saturday Night Live and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Regis, Oprah and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Kevin also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and had a guest role on NBC's30 Rock. Kevin has recently been seen on NICKMom Night Out. Kevin also starred in the CBS sitcom Uncle Buck which ran for a full season. In addition, he has done numerous guest appearances on both sitcoms and dramas. He also had a featured role in the movie Big. Beloved for drawing upon his family relationships for much of his material, Kevin has made such lines as "That's not Right" and "We're Big Pants People" and "We're going to lose the house" (delivered in the tremulous voice of his mother) catch phrases for hilarity. An evening with Kevin is a trip to the funhouse and one laugh escalates into a bigger one and good-hearted humor prevails.
Buddy Fitzpatrick, a native of Philadelphia, will also perform. He is currently a New York City club favorite sharing his comedy perspective. His act combines the skill of a great monologist with a physical style that brings his observations to life. At the age of 18, he left Philadelphia to pursue a career in the arts. He enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and has never looked back. He went on tour with several theater companies starring in plays ranging from Shakespeare to Neil Simon. His comedy timing was always a bright spot in any production and with a little prodding he took the next step to the comedy club stage. Soon after, Buddy was a regular at all the prominent showcase clubs in New York City honing his craft night after night. The positive response to his work fueled his desire and has kept him been busy on the comedy circuit for the last twelve years. His act is made up of inventive material delivered in a self-assured style. Buddy's stand-up made him a regular on Comedy Central with appearances on ABC and A&E. Buddy can be seen in the Damon Wayans' film "Harlem Aria" and in "The Business of Strangers" starring Julia Stiles and Stockard Channing. His television credits include HBO's "Sopranos." Buddy has written, produced and performed his biographical play "Sides" at various NYC theatres.
MC Moody McCarthy is a stand-up comedian who has performed on Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Last Comic Standing, and Star Search. He lives in New York City with his wife and step-dog. Moody began his career in his hometown of Syracuse, NY, in the 1900s. Many who witnessed his early performances forecast stardom. Moody proved those people wrong. After six years Moody moved to New York City, where those who heard his jokes predicted he’d be courted by A-list producers as a writer. That has not happened. But after 20+ years honing his craft, Moody has steadily gained the respect of his peers and audiences everywhere. With unpredictable material, a disarming presence, and in-the-moment chops, here is a comic who thrives in any venue and will brighten any event. Moody McCarthy: few people hate him!
MARCH ROARS IN WITH A HUGE LAUGH AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO AS KEVIN MEANEY HEADLINES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, COMEDY NIGHT IN GOOD TIME ROOM2013 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE
Date
Performer
Tickets on Sale
June 16
KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND
May 16th
June 23
TRAVIS TRITT
May 16th
June 30
AMERICA
May 16th
July 7
CHRIS ISAAK
May 23rd
July 14
BLUES TRAVELER
May 23rd
July 21
THREE DOG NIGHT
May 23rd
July 28
KANSAS
May 23rd
August 4
LEANN RIMES
June 3rd
August 11
ROCK AND BLUES FEST
May 16th
August 18
KENNY ROGERS
June 3rd
August 25
TBA
(Hint: Your Favorite 80’s Band)
July 29th
September 1
GAVIN DEGRAW
June 3rd
September 8
KENNY LOGGINS
June 3rd
September 15
SMOKEY ROBINSON
June 3rd
Date | Performer | Tickets on Sale |
June 16 | KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND | May 16th |
June 23 | TRAVIS TRITT | May 16th |
June 30 | AMERICA | May 16th |
July 7 | CHRIS ISAAK | May 23rd |
July 14 | BLUES TRAVELER | May 23rd |
July 21 | THREE DOG NIGHT | May 23rd |
July 28 | KANSAS | May 23rd |
August 4 | LEANN RIMES | June 3rd |
August 11 | ROCK AND BLUES FEST | May 16th |
August 18 | KENNY ROGERS | June 3rd |
August 25 | TBA (Hint: Your Favorite 80’s Band) | July 29th |
September 1 | GAVIN DEGRAW | June 3rd |
September 8 | KENNY LOGGINS | June 3rd |
September 15 | SMOKEY ROBINSON | June 3rd |
Empire City Casino teamed up with Catholic Charities for the for the seventh consecutive year to provide area families in need with a bit of warmth and some holiday cheer through the casino’s Annual “Christmas Spirit” Coat and Toy Drive. Timothy J. Rooney, President and CEO of Empire City Casino, presented the organization with hundreds of toys and coats. A fellow family-owned company, Jams, of Costa Mesa, California, delivered some west coast warmth through its generous donation of 500 new toys for New York children in need.
Josh Blake of Jams joined Tim Rooney for the presentation, which was accepted by Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, Karen Reynolds, Westchester & Putnam County Supervisor of Catholic Charities, along with Sister Christine Hennessey and Linda Cronston of Aisling Irish Community Center. The distribution team quickly went to work searching through hundreds of coats seeking out sizes for members of the families they knew were without warm coats this winter.
“It’s important that we remember what the Christmas season is truly celebrating. We must always remember to give to those in need. We provide our customers with an opportunity to give back, and I am always astounded by their generosity,” said Rooney.
From November 22 through December 8, Empire City Casino patrons donated new, unwrapped toys and gently used coats. A sampling of the items collected was on display in Empire City Casino’s Entertainment Lounge where Mr. Rooney commended the employees of Empire City as well the customers who gave so generously to the annual drive. Yonkers-based Smart Move & Storage generously provided transportation and storage of the donations. The items will be distributed by Catholic Charities over the coming weeks to families in need.
The toy and coat drive has become a holiday tradition at Empire City Casino, and thousands of toys and coats have been donated since 2007 when the campaign was launched. Empire City Casino has a long history of philanthropy and charitable service, providing assistance to thousands of non-profit organizations.
About Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities, a federation of approximately 90 agencies and programs located throughout the 10 counties of the Archdiocese of New York, helps solve the problems of New Yorkers in need – non-Catholics and Catholics alike— with services that protect and nurture
children, resolve family crises, assist the hungry and homeless, support the physically and emotionally challenged, and integrate immigrants and refugees.
About Aisling Irish Community Center: Aisling Irish Community Center was established in Yonkers in 1996 and has evolved into a full-fledged social services organization dedicated to serving the local community. The Aisling Irish Community Center endeavors to provide facilities for all Irish immigrants and their families. It strives to present a caring face to all, reaching out not only to physical but also to the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the human person. The center is located at 990 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 1070. For more information call 914-237-5121 or visit www.aislingcenter.org.
On October 19 at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, the Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Festival highlighted the thriving relationship between agriculture and horse racing throughout New York State. A host of fun, family-friendly events adorned the raceway apron, while the annual Legislators’ Challenge featured 10 of the state’s elected officials in non-wagering—but ultra-competitive—battle.
Assembly Member Andrew Garbarino (R-Suffolk) won the "rookie" division with Cockney Hanover in a first-up 2:11.4. Holland was also there, offering minimal assistance.
Assembly Member Keith Wright (D-Harlem) crossed winning a Legislators' Challenge off his bucket list, teaming with Strong Signal (and, to a lesser extent, Bartlett) to win the "veterans" division from the pocket in 2:11.3.
Assembly Member Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers), a winner a year, joined with Kandi Chip (and Bartlett) to whip a pair of other previous winners--Assembly Member Joe Saladino (R-Massapequa) and Assembly Member Gary Pretlow (D-Mt. Vernon) in a night's-fastest 2:09.4.
There was also a Racing Under Saddle exhibition, with John-Michael and Mary Dolce Conti giving nothing else a chance. The pair teamed to win the mile-and-one-sixteenth event by 9¼ lengths in 2:15.
The Raceway's five-night-per-week live schedule continues, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
A jackpot on the popular Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine at Empire City Casino has ballooned past the $1 million mark and is still up for grabs, though perhaps not for long.
Cherie Czerniowski, who oversees slot operations at Empire City, announced that when it hits, it will be the largest jackpot ever to be won at the casino and, she stressed that it can only be won in Yonkers.
"This is not a wide area progressive as seen at most properties,” said Czerniowski. “This jackpot can only be hit here at Empire City.”
The jackpot has guests coming from near and far to try their luck, particularly with several recent record-breaking scores at the Westchester casino. Manuel Esteche of Port Chester hit for $571,000 in February, breaking the previous record jackpot of $509,000 won in November by MoosueStefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey. Ella of Brooklyn won the third largest jackpot in Empire City’s history with a $222,459 score in February.
There’s no shortage of six-figure jackpots for patrons of Empire City. Seven others are up for grabs, in addition to the million dollar slot, including: $226,213 Betty Boop’s Love Meter; $188,728 Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars; $186,934 Blazing 7's Hot Shot Progressive Stacked; $161,562 Wheel of Fortune Big Money; $135,022 Blazing 7's Hot Shot Progressive Wide Area; $131,194 Fireball; $127,690 Fireball.
"There are plenty of jackpots to go around at Empire City, with dozens over $50,000 and hundreds over $10,000,” added Czerniowski. “But the million dollar jackpot will be a true life-changer."
Empire City Casino will not only see rain showers in April, but will have jokes raining down from the Good Time Room stage on Wednesday night, April 29th, when the entertaining Chris Strait will be headlining Empire City’s Comedy Show.
Also taking the stage with Strait will be the talented Peet Guercio as the featured artist, while Ron Nobles will be the MC for the night. Doors will open at 7:00 pm, and the show will begin at 8:00 pm. Admission is $5 for Empire Club Members and $25 for all non-members. Elite Club and President’s Club Members gain free admission to the show. All patrons will receive a free drink ticket.
Chris Strait headlines comedy clubs, private events, and colleges all over the world. You may see him every week on TRU-TV’s “World’s Dumbest”. You may also have also seen him as a commentator on the E! channel, Fuel TV’s “Daily Habit”, and the National Lampoon film, “Lost Reality 2″. He has also done stand-up on Starz and Playboy.
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL LEGISLATORS PACE RECAP
On October 19 at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, the Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Festival highlighted the thriving relationship between agriculture and horse racing throughout New York State. A host of fun, family-friendly events adorned the raceway apron, while the annual Legislators’ Challenge featured 10 of the state’s elected officials in non-wagering—but ultra-competitive—battle.
Assembly Member Andrew Garbarino (R-Suffolk) won the "rookie" division with Cockney Hanover in a first-up 2:11.4. Holland was also there, offering minimal assistance.
Assembly Member Keith Wright (D-Harlem) crossed winning a Legislators' Challenge off his bucket list, teaming with Strong Signal (and, to a lesser extent, Bartlett) to win the "veterans" division from the pocket in 2:11.3.
Assembly Member Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers), a winner a year, joined with Kandi Chip (and Bartlett) to whip a pair of other previous winners--Assembly Member Joe Saladino (R-Massapequa) and Assembly Member Gary Pretlow (D-Mt. Vernon) in a night's-fastest 2:09.4.
There was also a Racing Under Saddle exhibition, with John-Michael and Mary Dolce Conti giving nothing else a chance. The pair teamed to win the mile-and-one-sixteenth event by 9¼ lengths in 2:15.
The Raceway's five-night-per-week live schedule continues, with first post every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:10 PM. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.
The frigid temperatures in the Northeast are breaking records outside, but indoor records are being shattered, too. The slots are hot at Empire City Casino (Yonkers, NY). Case in point: Ella from Brooklyn hit the third largest jackpot in Empire City’s history with a $222,459.74 score Tuesday night (February 24).
The lucky win was registered on the Wheel of Fortune slot machine at 11:30 PM on a $15 wager made on a $5 denomination machine.
The biggest jackpot in history approaching the million dollars million mark – an $868,000 life-changer – is still up for grabs.
Last November 14, Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit the record $509,121.96 at Empire City, more than double the previous record, and the largest in the eight-year history of Empire City (opened in 2006).
Here are the current top 10 jackpots at Empire City:
$858,818 IGT - Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars
$563,042 Bally – Hot Shot (Wide Area Progressive)
$218,909 IGT – Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars
$210,463 Bally – Betty Boop’s Love Meter
$177,268 Bally- Blazing 7’s Hot Shot Progressive Stacked
$158,814 IGT- Wheel of Fortune Big Money
$129,755 Bally- Fireball
$126,302 Bally- Fireball
$86,565 Bally- Blazing 7’s Hot Shot Progressive Stacked
$77,933 Bally – All About Money Hot Shot
A Port Chester man hit the largest jackpot in the eight-year history of Empire City Casino (Yonkers, NY) on Friday night (February 27th). ManuelEsteche took home the $571,049.05 prize with a mere $2.50 spin on the Bally Blazing 7 slot machine (1-cent denomination) at 11:30 PM.
But the biggest jackpot in history approaching the million dollar mark – an $868,000 life-changer – is still up for grabs.
In November, Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey hit a record-breaking $509,121.96 at Empire City, which was more than double the previous jackpot record. At the time, it was the biggest jackpot since the Yonkers “racino” first opened in 2006, but now moves into second place.
The slots have been hot at Empire City. Just three nights before Esteche’s record-breaker, “Ella" from Brooklyn hit the third largest jackpot in Empire City annals with a $222,459.74 pot on February 24th.
Here are the top 20 jackpots in Empire City history, headed by Friday's big winner:
| Date | Location | Prize | Denomination | Vendor/Theme |
| 2/27/2015 | B16-07 | $571,049.65 | $0.01 | Bally/Hot Shots (WAP) |
| 11/14/2014 | Y18-03 | $509.121.96 | $5.00 | IGT/Wheel of Fortune |
| 9/21/2009 | L03-006 | $247,273.07 | $0.25 | Bally/Stars and Bars |
| 2/24/2015 | G06-06 | $222,459.74 | $5.00 | Wheel of Fortune |
| 7/17/2009 | P15-179 | $215,851.87 | $0.02 | Bally/Hot Shots Progressive |
| 9/11/2011 | P15-014 | $210,349.68 | $0.01 | Bally/Hot Shots Progressive |
| 3/22/2014 | S7-14 | $207,520.41 | $1.00 | IGT/Wheel of Fortune |
| 6/15/2013 | L25-02 | $199,309.25 | $0.01 | Bally.Hot Shots Progressive |
| 7/6/2008 | M7-073 | $197,939.38 | $0.05 | Bally/Jackpot Party |
| 1/24/2015 | F11-06 | $191,023.02 | $1.00 | IGT/Wheel of Fortune |
| 12/30/2008 | E13-112 | $184,052.70 | $0.01 | Bally/Tower of Power |
| 4/18/2014 | B22-04 | $182,805.86 | $0.01 | Bally/Fireball |
| 6/1/2014 | Y32-02 | $180,000.00 | $100.00 | 3x4x5 Double Diamond |
| 1/16/2012 | T20-12 | $162,045.11 | $0.25 | Bally/Reel Mania |
| 8/4/2007 | M7-074 | $155,466.15 | $0.05 | Bally Simple Winner |
| 2/20/2015 | H09-03 | $155,376.41 | $0.01 | Bally/MJ King of Pop |
| 5/29/2009 | R4-003 | $152,444.07 | $0.01 | Bally/Tower of Power |
| 3/30/2010 | L18-08 | $139,812.74 | $0.05 | Bally/Tower of Power |
| 6/9/2013 | Y1-05 | $136,812.74 | $0.05 | Bally/Hot Shots Progressive |
| 10/11/2009 | R4-005 | $131,130.00 | $0.01 | Bally/Tower of Power |
MANUEL ESTECHE OF PORT CHESTER HITS $571,049 JACKPOT FRIDAY NIGHT, RICHEST IN EMPIRE CITY CASINO HISTORY
“LET LUCK BE A LADY TONIGHT”
EMPIRE CITY CASINO EMPLOYEE URSULA MCINTYRE NAMED LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY’S WESTCHESTER/HUDSON VALLEY CHAPTER “WOMAN OF THE YEAR” FOR HERCULEAN FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
MODI headlines Empire City Casino Award-Winning Comedy Night on Wednesday, April 15th
GAMING HAVEN FEATURES 5,380 SLOT MACHINES AND ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES INCLUDING ROULETTE AND CRAPS SINCE OPENING IN 2006
Trio of Ladies Hit $100,000+ Jackpots at
Empire City Casino in June
Yonkers, NY, June 11, 2013—"Let Luck be a lady tonight; never let her out of your sight," crooned Frank Sinatra in one of his hit classics. And June has slot-players at Empire City Casino singing that happy tune with a trio of lucky ladies hitting jackpots worth $100,000 and up.
A Tip of the Cap to Empire City Casino's Kentucky Derby Fancy Hat Contest
Comedians Take the Stage June 5, 12, 19, 26; Admission $5 for Empire Club Members,
$15 for Non-members
May 29, 2013 – Wednesday Comedy Nights heat up at Empire City Casino in June highlighted by John Mulrooney (June 5), Yannis Pappas(June 12), Jessica Kirson (June 19), Ari Shaffir (June 26). These comics have been seen on popular networks such as VH1, BET, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Hosted in the Good Time Room, the doors open at 7:00 p.m. each night, with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for Empire Club members, $15 for non-members, and Elite members are free. All attendees also receive a free drink ticket.
Kenny Rogers
Sunday, July 19 – Doors open 6pm, opening act - Larry Stevens 7pm, Showtime 8pm
Kenny Rogers is known for instantly identifiable sweetly raspy vocals and an extraordinary ability to vividly inhabit each song he performs. The music legend has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums during his storied 52 years in show business. His long list of timeless classics includes an impressive 24 #1 hits - "The Gambler," "Lady," "Lucille," "She Believes in Me," "Islands in the Stream," and "We've Got Tonight" among them. Two of Rogers' albums, The Gambler and Kenny, are featured in the About.com poll of "The 200 Most Influential Country Albums Ever", and his Greatest Hits album has sold over 24 million copies worldwide to date. He is the RIAA's 8th best-selling male artist of all time with 1 Diamond album, 19 Platinum albums and 31 Gold albums. Rogers has received hundreds of awards for his music and charity work, including three Grammys, 11 People's Choice Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music awards and five Country Music Association awards. Remaining a popular entertainer around the world, Rogers, voted the "Favorite Singer of All-Time" in a 1986 joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People, still loves touring and recording new music.
About Larry Stevens: Singer/songwriter Larry Stevens, front man and lead singer of The Larry Stevens Band, has spent the better portion of his life on stage. A full-time musician since birth (or perhaps very shortly thereafter) Larry has entertained audiences at venues ranging from the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville to The Bitter End and The Iridium in New York, as well as numerous concerts at the Bergen Performing Arts Center, PNC Bank Arts Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Giants (MetLife) Stadium. He has enjoyed sharing the stage with many national acts, including America, Kenny Loggins, The Doobie Brothers, Blood Sweat & Tears, Huey Lewis and the News, Todd Rundgren, Foreigner, and Peter Frampton.
COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND NATIVE, LONGTIME YONKERS RESIDENT GUSS HAYES A FIXTURE AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
Kevin Curran of Yonkers, New York, scored a $100,000 jackpot at Empire City Casino on January 9. There are still 10 jackpots worth six-figures – including possible scores of nearly $800,000 and over a half million dollars – heating up the frigid air in the Northeast in Yonkers.
Curran made a wager of $100 on the "Double Diamond" slot to take home $100,000.
Four of the potential jackpots are at the popular Wheel of Fortune machines, including the $799,603 life-changer at the Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars progressive slot, which requires a 2-credit wager on the $10 machine (total $20 wager) to win the top prize.
The nine other six-figure jackpots include: $513,862 Hot Shot Wide Area Progressive; $199,641 Betty Boop’s Love Meter; $184,056 Wheel of Fortune Secret Spins; $180,491 Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars; $169,857 Blazing 7's Hot Shot Progressive Stacked; $156,854 Wheel of Fortune Big Money;$146,604 Michael Jackson King of Pop; $128,941 Fireball; $125,227 Fireball.
There are plenty of jackpots to go around at Empire City, with another 17 jackpots over $50,000 and hundreds more between $10,000 and $50,000.
Each year, patrons at Empire City Casino win billions of dollars. According to New York State Lottery reports, Empire City Casino returned nearly $7.2 billion to bettors in 2014.
Yonkers “Backpack to School” Drive Hits the Jackpot with a Donation of 300 Backpacks from Empire City Casino
From lobbying in Albany to handling the media with aplomb to community initiatives to working with leading elected officials, Taryn Duffy, the Director of Public Affairs for Empire City Casino and its owners the Rooney Family, is one of New York’s women of influence. And so, Ms. Duffy will be appropriately honored on Thursday, June 25th, at the 2015 Women of Influence Celebration presented by the Irish Voice in New York City. The event will be held at Pier A Harbor House at 22 Battery Place in Manhattan from 7:00-9:00 PM.
Ms. Duffy is a native of Saddle Brook, NJ, and a resident of Bronxville, New York. Duffy oversees lobbying and political activities, and manages civic engagement and community relations. She is also principal of TSD Strategies, Inc., a communications and public relations consulting firm.
Beginning her career as a litigation paralegal in California, Taryn returned to New York to work in a midtown law firm. In 1997, Taryn entered the political arena working for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and then joined the team of Jeff Klein in his 2004 NYS Senate bid. Taryn served as Klein’s Chief of Staff and campaign manager for several years.
As Vice President at Mercury Public Affairs, a national public strategy firm, Taryn put her experience to work for clients in a variety of industries. She has worked on dozens of political campaigns and briefly departed the political world to serve as Director of Admissions for Mercy College before taking on her current position.
Active in numerous civic and professional organizations and an advocate for volunteer service and civic engagement, Taryn was a 2013 recipient of City & State Magazine’s Above and Beyond Award, and a 2014 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage honoree for distinguished service. Taryn is passionate about mentoring young women in business and recently served as a panelist for the Workforce Development Institute’s Women in Leadership: Securing a Seat at the Table. Most recently, Taryn was appointed by City of Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano to serve a three-year term on the Workforce Investment Board.
Taryn has a strong Irish family background and takes pride in her heritage. Her family - Duffy, Sullivan, Browne, and Walsh - immigrated to the United States in the 1930’s. Individual event tickets will be priced at $125; to RSVP please email AMcMahon@IrishVoice.com.
Richest Pacer Ever, Foiled Again, Lands 3-Hole for $567,000 Final of George Morton Levy Series Saturday Night at Yonkers Raceway; In Addition, Military Veterans to Demonstrate New Horsemen's Skills
Notable television favorite MODI, acclaimed as one of the Top Ten stand-up comics in America today, will take center stage at Empire City Casino on April 15th at the next installment of the award-winning Wednesday Comedy Night series in the Good Time Room.
MODI will be joined by two local fixtures, featured performer Sean Donnelly and MC for the evening Eric Neumann, both popular on the New York City comedy circuit. Doors will open at 7:00 pm, and the show will begin at 8:00 pm. Admission is $5 for Empire Club Members and $25 for all non-members. Elite Club and President’s Club members gain free admission to the show. All patrons receive a free drink ticket.
Back Stage Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter both agree that Modi has achieved elite status. He has appeared on E! Network’s The Howard Stern Show, Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Modi’s other spots include BET’s Comic View, NBC’s Friday Night, and Metro Channel’s New Joke City with comedy legend Robert Klein. Modi has landed spots on HBO’s The Sopranos, as well as CBS’ CSI: New York, two of the biggest television dramas. He has also brought his acting to the silver screen, appearing in Stand Up, a 2006 feature film. Modi also appeared as a lead in Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2004.
Sean Donnelly can be found headlining clubs all over New York, including Caroline's, Gotham, Stand Up NY, and The Stand. He has appeared on MTV’s World of Jenks and The Late Show with David Letterman. Sean was a Montreal Just For Laughs “New Face” in 2013. Sean can be seen regularly on the TruTV series World’s Dumbest and on the forthcoming season of Adam Devine’s House Party on Comedy Central.
Eric Neumann is a standup comedian, writer and actor based in New York City. He performs regularly at clubs and colleges throughout New York City. His comedy has been heard on Sirius XM Radio and he has been featured on RooftopComedy.com.
BRONX WOMAN HITS $191,023 JACKPOT AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO; $810,000 JACKPOT STILL UP FOR GRABS
Tim Rooney, Jr., General Counsel at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, has been selected 2015 Grand Marshal for the 60th Annual Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade which take place on McLean Avenue on Saturday, March 21st.
"It's quite an honor to be chosen to serve as Grand Marshal," said Rooney. "With our family's Irish heritage and long association with the City of Yonkers, it will be a special day for me, and the entire Rooney Family."
In 2014 the South Broadway St. Patrick’s Day Parade merged with the McLean Avenue Merchant’s Association St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This combination began a new era for Yonkers in honoring our Irish heritage, contributions and Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York.
The official installation of Mr. Rooney as Grand Marshal and the Aides for the 2015 Parade will take place on Saturday, March 7, at a gala celebration of the “Changing of the Sash” in the Good Time Room at the Empire City Casino at 7:30 p.m.
The Parade will be underway on March 21 following a Mass at St. Barnabas High School Chapel on McLean Avenue, when marchers step off at 1:00 p.m. on McLean Avenue west of Bronx River Road.
Tim is the son of casino and raceway president and CEO Timothy J. Rooney, Sr.
Bio: Timothy J. Rooney, Jr., General Counsel Empire City Casino, is part of the senior management team supervising the property and it’s nearly 1,400 employees.
Previously, Rooney led the Cable Telecommunications Association of New York, the leading trade and advocacy organization for the cable television industry in the State of New York, as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that he spent six years as Regional Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for Cablevision, where was instrumental on a successful campaign against the proposed West Side Stadium, as well as developing and implementing the overall government and public affairs strategy for the Greater Hudson Valley.
As an associate in Westchester’s premier law firm, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, Rooney gained extensive experience in a diverse range of general litigation matters. Prior to that Mr. Rooney clerked for the U.S. District Judge Charles Brieant of the Southern District of New York.
Empire City Casino has flourished under Rooney’s supervision. He has played a leading role within the organization developing it into one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the Northeast. In 2013, Rooney oversaw the construction and grand opening of the casino’s $50 million expansion and is currently working on future expansion plans.
Rooney was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in Westchester County. He attended Stonehill College in Northeastern, Massachusetts graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management. He earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and was a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in criminal law. Rooney currently resides in New York City and has four children: Eileen, Elizabeth, Timothy & Patrick.
(From top Left, Mulrooney, Pappas, Kirson, Shaffir)
Empire City Casino Fourth of July Weekend Celebrated with Jeep Patriot Giveaways
BREAKING GROUND:
Empire City Casino President Timothy J. Rooney is flanked by general counsel Tim Rooney, Jr. (left) and COO Bob Galterio (right) at ground breaking ceremonies on $50 million extension which was recently completed
Three lucky winners will be lighting the celebration fireworks when each drives home from Empire City Casino in a brand new Jeep Patriot during the three-day Fourth of July Weekend promotion.
On Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th, Empire Club Members will be eligible for the 6:00 pm drawing on each day.
All Empire Club Members have two more weeks to enter (now through July 5) for the chance to win a brand new truck. Members will receive one virtual entry to the giveaway for every 100 Empire Points earned. All entries must be activated between 4:00 pm and 5:59 pm on the day of the giveaway. Entrants must be present to activate and accept any prize.
On each of the three days, 10 members will be drawn to participate in the giveaway. Of those 10, one will win the brand new Jeep Patriot. The other nine participants will receive $250 in free play. A minimum of 5 members must be present to continue with the giveaway. A cash option of $15,000 is also available to the winners (Jeep valued at $20,000).
Firework-provoking Jeep Patriots are not the only attraction to Empire City in July. The Summer Concert Series kicks off on Sunday, July 19th, when award-winning legend Kenny Rogers takes the stage. The opening act begins at 7 pm, and Rogers will begin his performance at 8 pm. Tickets are still available on line at Empire City Casino.
Empire City Casino is offering another chance to win big with the Mega Millions Fridays. Every Friday in the month of July – July 3, July 10, July 17,July 24 and July 31 - from 10 am to 10 pm, Empire Club Members that visit a promotions booth will receive one free Mega Million ticket. Members can receive a second ticket if they earn 50 Empire points. There is a limit of one free and one earned ticket for each promotional date while supplies last.
Comedians Take the Stage June 5, 12, 19, 26; Admission $5 for Empire Club Members,
$15 for Non-members
Wednesday Comedy Nights heat up at Empire City Casino in June highlighted by John Mulrooney (June 5), Yannis Pappas (June 12), Jessica Kirson (June 19), Ari Shaffir (June 26). These comics have been seen on popular networks such as VH1, BET, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Hosted in the Good Time Room, the doors open at 7:00 p.m. each night, with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for Empire Club members, $15 for non-members, and Elite members are free. All attendees also receive a free drink ticket.
GAMING HAVEN FEATURES 5,380 SLOT MACHINES AND ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES INCLUDING ROULETTE AND CRAPS SINCE OPENING IN 2006
Sixth Annual McGuire Trot in the Books
YONKERS RACEWAY STAKES SCHEDULE CONTINUES WITH HOT AUGUST, SEPTEMBER,
THEN CULMINATES WITH RETURN OF INTERNATIONAL TROT ON OCTOBER 10th
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sunday, August 16 – Doors open 6 pm, opening act 7 pm, Showtime 8 pm. The legacy began some 41 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, and halted for a decade by the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Since then, the band tragically lost Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson and Hughie Thomasson, yet Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks on with original member Gary Rossington joined by Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Johnny Colt, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase. The rock and roll powerhouse continually tours, this summer heading out on their second run with Bad Company. The year 2014 marks the 8th year for their annual Simple Man Cruise, a four day voyage filled with the best music in Southern Rock including an outdoor beach show featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first time in the cruise’s history. And so Skynyrd stands, “still unbroken.”
BEE A MAGICIAN OF CANADA, ONLY MARE IN RACE, MORNING LINE FAVORITE IN $1 MILLION INTERNATIONAL TROT
COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND NATIVE, LONGTIME YONKERS RESIDENT GUSS HAYES A FIXTURE AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
***Celtic Classics “The Old Man” and “Song for Ireland” are Favorites***
New York—The magical Irish musical performances of Guss Hayes and his band have been part of the fabric of the city of Yonkers and Yonkers Raceway for three decades.
Wisconsin Couple Travels Over 800 Miles and Makes History at the 116-Year-Old Historic Yonkers Raceway
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Vice President and COO Bob Galterio’s daughter Cara was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 9, and the Bedford resident immediately was compelled to take action to fight the disease.
So, “Cure for Cara” was born. That was 13 years ago, and on Sunday, October 6, more than 2,500 Empire City employees, volunteers and participants gathered at Empire City at Yonkers Raceway to take action in the Walk to Cure Diabetes for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Galterio served as captain of the “Cure for Cara” team.
With the help of many volunteers and donors, JDRF is moving research from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside, translating scientific advances into longer, healthier lives for those with diabetes, moving closer to its goal...a cure for diabetes and its complications.
Approximately 2,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools, and other organizations participated in the Westchester County Chapter of the JDRF annual Walk to Cure Diabetes on the 6th. The fundraising goal for the chapter is to realize nearly $600,000 for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications.
“It’s great to be partnering with JDRF and working together on such an important goal – curing a disease that kills one American every three minutes. The recent statistics are staggering and reveal that health care expenditures surrounding diabetes cost our nation more than $174 billion,” says Corporate Walk Chair, Bob Galterio, Vice President and COO of Empire City Casino. “These are the reasons we are committed to raising money for the cutting-edge research that JDRF funds. By working together, we can make a difference.”
NJ Man Hits Six-Figure Jackpot Twice in One Month at Empire City Casino
Celtic Classics “The Old Man” and “Song for Ireland” are Favorites
The magical Irish musical performances of Guss Hayes and his band have been part of the fabric of the city of Yonkers and Yonkers Raceway for three decades.
MUCH-ANTICIPATED OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP ANNOUNCED BY EMPIRE CITY CASINO
WEDNESDAY COMEDY NIGHTS HEAT UP AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO IN JUNE
“LET LUCK BE A LADY TONIGHT”
BREAKING GROUND:
Empire City Casino President Timothy J. Rooney is flanked by general counsel Tim Rooney, Jr. (left) and COO Bob Galterio (right) at ground breaking ceremonies on $50 million extension which was recently completed
Churchill Downs in Louisville won't be the only track with celebrity luster for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Hannah Davis, the 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model, will host Empire City Casino's Kentucky Derby festivities on Saturday, May 2nd, trackside at historic Yonkers Raceway (810 Yonkers Avenue).
The Derby Day extravaganza will take place on the raceway apron, and the party gets started at 3:00 pm. The bikini-clad bombshell, who appeared in her third Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition this year, will meet and greet fans, take pictures, and sign autographs. Food and drink specials will be available during the party as well as music from DJ LAX. This is a free event, and ends at7:00pm.
Davis, the 24-year-old girlfriend of legendary Yankee player Derek Jeter, will join harness driver TylerButer, WVOX Radio personality JohnMarino, and WAG Magazine’s Georgette Gouveia on the blue-ribbon panel selecting the winner of Empire City’s annual “Fancy Derby Hat Contest”. The contest will be held trackside as part of the festivities and a grand prize of $750 will be awarded at 5:00 pm.
Post time for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby is at 6:24pm, and simulcast wagering is available at various locations in the facility. The first 700 Empire Club Members to visit the main Promotions Booth beginning at 4:00pm will receive a free $2 exacta box wager on the Kentucky Derby. Additionally, party-goers can enjoy watching the exciting race live on 80 inch TVs.
Post time for Yonkers Raceway's live harness racing program begins at 7:10 pm.
$50 MILLION EXPANSION ENHANCES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
WEDNESDAY COMEDY NIGHTS HEAT UP AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO IN JUNE
Empire City Casino General Counsel, Tim Rooney, Jr., has been named the 2015 Grand Marshal for the 60th Annual Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 21). To officially install Mr. Rooney as Grand Marshal and celebrate this year’s “Changing of the Sash,” Empire City will host a gala celebration and Dinner-Dance in the Good Time Room on Saturday, March 7th, at 7:00 PM.
"It's quite an honor to be chosen to serve as Grand Marshal," said Rooney. "With our family's Irish heritage and long association with the City of Yonkers, it will be a special day for me, and the entire Rooney Family."
In 2014, the South Broadway St. Patrick's Day Parade merged with the McLean Avenue Merchant’s Association St. Patrick's Day Parade. This combination began a new era for Yonkers in honoring our Irish heritage, contributions and Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York.
The Parade will be underway on March 21st following a Mass at St. Barnabas High School Chapel on McLean Avenue, when marchers step off at 1:00 p.m. on McLean Avenue west of Bronx River Road
Tickets to the gala are priced at $90 per person (must be paid in advance). Checks should be made payable to the St. Patrick’s Day Committee and sent to 941 McLean Avenue, Suite 432, Yonkers, New York 10704. For more information contact Jean Tickell at 914-419-3611 or email paradedinner@gmail.com.
Namesake Slots for Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, Unveiled at Empire City Casino as Worldwide Tour Laucnhes to Promote Newest Album 'Blue Smoke'
Empire City Casino Wednesday Night Laugh Fest on April 29th Headlined by Chris Strait
Hannah Davis Celebrates Kentucky Derby Day at Empire City Casino May 2nd
Sports Illustrated Cover Girl to Host Festivities from 3-7:00pm
A man from Saddle Brook, New Jersey - "Dominic S." - hit a $100,000 jackpot last night (Wednesday, June 10th) at Empire City Casino
The lucky six-figure win was registered on the Bally’s Double Jackpot Wild slot machine at 8:26 PM on a $5 wager made on a $1 denomination machine.
However, the biggest jackpot in history, $1,163,474 on the popular Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine, is still up for grabs at Empire City, and continues to grow every day with guests coming from near and far to try their luck. When the record jackpot hits, it will exceed the previous mark by more than a half million dollars.
Manuel Esteche of Port Chester hit for $571,000 in February, breaking the previous record jackpot of $509,000 won in November by Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey.
Cherie Czerniowski, who oversees slot operations at Empire City, announced that when it hits, it will be the largest jackpot ever to be won at the casino and, she stressed that it can only be won in Yonkers.
"This is not a wide area progressive as seen at most properties,” said Czerniowski. “This jackpot can only be hit here at Empire City.”
Empire City Casino is pleased to announce that the legendary Irish bands Shilelagh Law and Celtic Cross will be on stage to perform in a festive indoor concert on Sunday, March 8th, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. (Doors will open at 2:00 PM).
The Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester will also perform.
Tickets are available online now at Empire City Casino, and on site at Empire City at the second floor redemption cashier. There are 1,000 General Admission tickets available priced at $17.
About Shilelagh Law: New York and Irish music have a long and storied history together.a collision of two cultures that results in bedlam, beauty and a lot in between. Shilelagh Law embodies all that is New York Irish music: old songs, new songs, jigs, reels, dancing, weeping, lots of laughter, plenty of drinks and the inevitable visit to the local diner at 5am. By interpreting traditional Irish music through a filter of urban grittiness Shilelagh Law helps to define the Irish-American experience that is such a part of New York town. (Website: www.halfthebottle.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/SLNYC)
About Celtic Cross: Celtic Cross is the legendary NYC seven-piece band fronted by Kathleen Fee, a talented singer-songwriter and her brothers John (accordion) & Kenny (fiddle) Vesey. They are joined by a group of accomplished and skilled NYC players Wally Ensor on guitar, Pat Dineen on bass/keys, Frankie McCormick on mandolin/banjo, and Ryan Cavan on drums. Products of Irish parents, traditional Irish music roots, and American pop radio, Celtic Cross puts it all together in a very different way than what you will hear from most Celtic acts. The band’s music tells great stories using the traditional on top of sassy pop, alt-country and funk playing. They are a band’s band around the NYC Irish scene and will remind you of Fleetwood Mac or the B-52s with a heavy dose of Saw Doctors or Stockton’s Wing. The band was founded in the Bronx in 1990 and has been making and breaking Irish music tradition all over the US and abroad ever since. (Website: http://www.celticcross.com; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticcrossmusic; Twitter: https://twitter.com/celticcrosstunz)
About the Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester: Website: http://www.pipesanddrums.org/Main1.htm; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pipes-and-Drums-of-the-Police-Emerald-Society-of-Westchester/108641185973199)
POLICIES: All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges; Concert is open to ticketed guests 21 years of age or older with valid ID; Band times are subject to change; All guests must have a valid ticket to be admitted; Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen tickets; Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway's management reserves the right to deny entry or eject - guests at any time; ID required for the purchase of alcohol; Cash and Credit Card sales for food and drink; Bags will be checked by security; PROHIBITED: No Backpacks, Bookbags, Briefcases or Coolers; No Outside Food or Drink; No Smoking; Laser pointers; Devices of any kind that may interfere with and/or distract performers or other guests; Band times subject to change; TICKET INFO: Must have a valid ticket to enter; Will-call booth at venue for ticket pick up; Not responsible for lost tickets.
Her opponents may need a Witch Doctor to stop Witch Dali at Yonkers Raceway! The conventional methods have not worked.
“She’s just a big, strong (mare) who carries her speed a long way and hums around Yonkers with no problem,” said driver Tim Tetrick on Monday night after Witch Dali ($2.10) authored a third consecutive victory in sweeping the Yonkers Raceway’s thee preliminary legs in the Petticoat Pacing Series. The attempt for the coup de grace comes in the $54,800 Petticoat Final next Monday, March 30th at Empire City Casino's historic half mile oval.
Leaving from post position No. 3 in the first of two $12,500 events for 3- and 4-year-old lasses, the 1-20 favorite never had an anxious moment (:28.2, :58.2, 1:26.1; 1:54.1). The final margin was wrapped-up six lengths over Always Sunday (Jason Bartlett), with Cheyenne Robin (George Brennan) third.
For Witch Dali, a 4-year-old daughter of Dali co-owned (as Alagna Racing) by (trainer) Tony Alagna and Brad Grant, it was her fifth win in nine seasonal starts. The exacta paid $11.80, with the triple returning $39.20.
It was Witch Dali’s second consecutive six-length romp in the preps, firmly stamping her as the lass to beat in next Monday’s finale.
Monday night’s other series event went to Cruisinwithmybaby (Tyler Buter, $7.80).
Empire City Casino At Yonkers Raceway Hosts Walk To Cure Diabetes; Vice President And COO Bob Galterio Captains “Cure For Cara” Team
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Vice President and COO Bob Galterio’s daughter Cara was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 9, and the Bedford resident immediately was compelled to take action to fight the disease.
So, “Cure for Cara” was born. That was 13 years ago, and on Sunday, October 6, more than 2,500 Empire City employees, volunteers and participants gathered at Empire City at Yonkers Raceway to take action in the Walk to Cure Diabetes for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Galterio served as captain of the “Cure for Cara” team.
With the help of many volunteers and donors, JDRF is moving research from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside, translating scientific advances into longer, healthier lives for those with diabetes, moving closer to its goal...a cure for diabetes and its complications.
Approximately 2,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools, and other organizations participated in the Westchester County Chapter of the JDRF annual Walk to Cure Diabetes on the 6th. The fundraising goal for the chapter is to realize nearly $600,000 for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications.
“It’s great to be partnering with JDRF and working together on such an important goal – curing a disease that kills one American every three minutes. The recent statistics are staggering and reveal that health care expenditures surrounding diabetes cost our nation more than $174 billion,” says Corporate Walk Chair, Bob Galterio, Vice President and COO of Empire City Casino. “These are the reasons we are committed to raising money for the cutting-edge research that JDRF funds. By working together, we can make a difference.”
Quotes from International Trot press conference, October 6, Tavern on the Green, New York City
$1 Million International Trot, Saturday, October 10, Yonkers Raceway
On Tuesday, October 20th, Timothy J. Rooney, son of Steelers founder Art J. Rooney, Sr. and president & CEO of Empire City Casino, will be honored at City & State Magazine’s Corporate Social Responsibility Awards (CSR) Breakfast, which will recognize leaders in the Hospitality, Gaming and Tourism industries. Rooney will be the recipient of the Special Award for Excellence in Workforce Diversity, Corporate Giving & Community Engagement.
The CSR Breakfast will take place at Hunter College in New York City. The event will feature a panel discussion featuring NYC Hospitality Alliance’s Andrew Rigie and begins at 8 AM.
As the owner of the largest private employer in the fourth largest city in New York, Rooney employs nearly 1,300 employees, representing 14 different unions, with an annual payroll of over $45 million. As a family-run business, Rooney considers each employee to be a member of his extended family and works to create and maintain a diverse workforce. Nearly two-thirds of the current workforce identifies as either minority or female, and over half of the management team does as well.
Opportunities are also provided for employees who would like to give back. Employees volunteer at the Food Bank of Westchester to bag food items like beans or pasta, for distribution to needy families. Employees and customers participate in an annual toy and coat drive done in partnership with Catholic Charities and the local Aisling Irish Community Center, and hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised for diabetes research in the annual JDRF Walk held on the racetrack.
"Mr. Rooney and the team at Empire City Casino consistently show that their corporate culture is to give back to the community and be a good corporate citizen,” said Dr. Marsha Gordon, president of The Business Council of Westchester. “They are the region's largest job generator and are committed to positive employment opportunities for so many."
Rooney credits much of Empire City’s success to the dedication of the employees at Empire City.
“When you treat your employees with respect, they will in turn treat your customers with that same respect,” said Rooney. “Our customers can go to a lot of different places for entertainment and gaming, in the end, people will go where they feel most at home. And that has more to do with respect than anything else.”
Rooney is known for his quiet philanthropic involvement supporting hundreds of charitable organizations throughout New York with contributions of more than $1 million annually made in the form of sponsorships and donations supporting non-profits in the areas of education, hunger, the arts, medical research and more. An annual donor to the Inner City Schools initiative of the Archdiocese of New York, Rooney was recently honored at their 78th CYO Club of Champions Tribute held at the Waldorf Astoria, where over 600 attendees gather to recognize his lifetime achievement of “dedication, compassion and generosity to the young people of the Archdiocese of New York”.
“The most important thing we can do in this country is give people living in poverty a chance to get out of poverty,” Rooney said. “I believe educating our youth is key in that effort.”
City & State Corporate Social Responsibility Awards for Hospitality, Gaming & Tourism will take place at Hunter College in New York City. The event will feature a panel discussion featuring NYC Hospitality Alliance’s Andrew Rigie and begins at 8 am. For more information about the event contact Jasmin Freeman at 646-442-1662.
At Empire City Casino, losers can become winners, thanks to the New York Lottery Scratch-Off Ticket Exchange. On the five Thursdays of July – July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th – from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Empire Club members can exchange non-winning NY Lottery Scratch-off tickets for free play at the casino.
Empire Club Members can redeem $10 worth of NYL scratch off tickets to receive $5 Free Play; $20 worth of NYL scratch off tickets to receive $10 Free Play; or $30 worth of NYL scratch off tickets to receive $15 Free Play.
Scratch Off tickets purchased at Empire City Casino beginning July 1st that have a $5 or higher face value are eligible for the exchange program. The maximum amount of $15 in free play can be redeemed on each promotional date.
Also, three lucky winners will be lighting the celebration fireworks when each drives home from Empire City Casino in a brand new Jeep Patriot during the three-day Fourth of July Weekend promotion.
On Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th, Empire Club Members will be eligible for the 6:00 pm drawing on each day.
All Empire Club Members have two more weeks to enter (now through July 5th) for the chance to win a brand new truck. Members will receive one virtual entry to the giveaway for every 100 Empire Points earned. All entries must be activated between 4:00 pm and 5:59 pm on the day of the giveaway. Entrants must be present to activate and accept any prize.
On each of the three days, 10 members will be drawn to participate in the giveaway. Of those 10, one will win the brand new Jeep Patriot. The other nine participants will receive $250 in free play. A minimum of 5 members must be present to continue with the giveaway. A cash option of $15,000 is also available to the winners (Jeep valued at $20,000).
Lastly, the summer temperatures continue to escalate, and the record-breaking jackpot at Empire City Casino continues to percolate, with the life-changing potential score on the increasingly-popular Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine now standing at $1,210,899. The jackpot hiked past the $1 million mark for the first time two months ago (April 15th), and guests continue to flock to the Westchester casino from far and wide to try their luck.
TIM ROONEY, JR., EMPIRE CITY CASINO GENERAL COUNSEL, NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR YONKERS ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Life Changing Slot Jackpot Exceeds $1 Million Mark for First Time
Record Breaker Is Still Up for Grabs at Westchester’s Empire City Casino
CALIFORNIA COMPANY BRINGS WARMTH TO THE HEARTS OF HUNDREDS OF NEW YORK FAMILIES WITH LARGE TOY DONATION TO EMPIRE CITY CASINO’S 7TH ANNUAL TOY & COAT DRIVE
CATHOLIC CHARITIES & AISLING IRISH COMMUNITY CENTER WILL DISTRIBUTE DONATIONS TO FAMILIES IN NEED
Trace Adkins
Sunday, August 9 – Doors open 6pm, opening act – Rachel Allyn 7pm, Showtime 8pm
Trace Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts and turned albums into Platinum plaques, selling over 10 million albums, cumulatively. The Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry is a television personality, actor, author, spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Program, the American Red Cross and has performed seven USO Tours. In his 2007 autobiography, A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck, the 6’6″ oil-rigger recounted his rise to fame, brushes with death and battles with personal demons. He also explains just how the world’s biggest alpha-male handles fatherhood with five daughters. In 2008, Trace’s integrity and wry humor served him well as a finalist on NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice and prepared him for his return – on behalf of the American Red Cross – to NBC’s All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Trace has played a tough as nails biker in the The Lincoln Lawyer, developed and hosted GAC’s “Great American Heroes”, and has hosted the American Country Awards on FOX for four consecutive years.
About Rachel Allyn: Rachel Allyn is a singer/songwriter and recording artist currently living in New Jersey. She performs over 100 shows a year and has opened for major touring acts including Brett Eldredge, Sara Evans, Kenny Rogers, Thompson Square, Lonestar, Randy Houser, Travis Tritt, and many more. One of Rachel’s biggest influences, John Lennon, once said regarding his songwriting process, "You see? You just write what you feel even if you don't know where it'll take you." After releasing a more traditionally flavored country EP in 2009 (Late Nights and Early Mornings), Rachel and her producer, Warren Hibbert, made the conscious decision to take Lennon’s words to heart on her first full-length album, Do It Yourself. No preconceived arrangements, genre boundaries, or creative limits. The resulting music lands somewhere between alternative, singer/songwriter, and country, clearly drawing inspiration from all her musical influences while combining them in a way that’s interesting and unexpected.
The Art Rooney Pace, which remembers the late, iconic patriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is set for this Saturday night, June 1, at Yonkers Raceway. The Rooney, in its 23rd renewal at the historic half-mile harness oval which also houses Empire City Casino, is worth $275,000. Eight 3-year-old colts and geldings each gained a berth to the Rooney by finishing in the top four in last Saturday’s eliminations.
The iconic New York Daily News Golden Gloves returns to Empire City Casino for the fifth consecutive year on Wednesday, March 11th. The 2015 semi-finals of the fabled amateur boxing tournament will be hosted on the casino’s fourth floor.
The oldest and most esteemed amateur event in the U.S., celebrating its 88th anniversary this season, has produced generations of legendary boxers including Sugar Ray Robinson, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Jose Torres, and Zab Judah.
“We are proud that the Daily News Golden Gloves has become part of the great sports tradition at Empire City Casino, and is now in its fifth year,” said president & CEO, Timothy J. Rooney. “Two New York institutions are once again teaming up for what we know will be an exciting event for fight fans.”
General Admission tickets are $25; senior citizens and college students are $15; and first responders will receive free admission. To receive free or discounted tickets, guests must present valid photo ID. For more information visit http://www.nydn.us/gg or call Brian Adams at the Daily News at 212-210-1908 or Empire City Casino at 914-968-4200.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and first bell is 7:30 PM sharp. These in-demand tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis only at the door on fight night. Tickets and seating are limited.
Yonkers Raceway first opened its doors in 1899, and in over 115 years of its history has been the home to harness racing’s Triple Crown events such as the Yonkers Trot, Cane Pace and Messenger Stakes, as well as such premier stakes races as the Art Rooney Pace. Professional boxing had been held in the Old Glory Horse Pavilion, and many major fights shown on closed circuit television. But the Daily News Golden Gloves, the most elite Golden Gloves tournament in the country for 88 years, became a “first-time starter” in 2011.
Talk about doing a “Double” take! This is “Wild”! Dominic Santaite of Saddle Brook, NJ hit the jackpot for $100,020 on the appropriately-named Bally’s Double Jackpot Wild slot machine at Empire City Casino on Monday, June 29th at 9:23 pm – his second time doing so in less than 3 weeks.
The lucky Santaite scored his first $100,000 jackpot playing Bally’s Double Jackpot Wild on Wednesday, June 10th at 8:26 pm at Empire City.
The lucky winner made his six-figure score ($20 more than the first one) on the exact same slot machine for the exact same wager (a $5 bet on a $1 denomination machine) as he did on June 10th.
“When you sit down [at the slot machine] you never think you’re going to win,” said Santaite. “I never could have imagined this. It’s incredible. It’s a great feeling.”
Cherie Czerniowski, who oversees slot operations at Empire City said, “This is unprecedented and mind-boggling. We’ve had guests win multiple jackpots over the years, but never with odds-defying, exact precision like this one.”
Santaite said he’ll share his winnings with his wife and five children, as well as his ninety year old mother who accompanies him on his trips to Empire City.
Meanwhile, the biggest jackpot in history continues to grow: the life-changing $1.2 million score on the popular Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine is still up for grabs at the Westchester casino. When the record jackpot is finally hit, it will exceed the previous mark by more than a half million dollars.
Manuel Esteche of Port Chester hit for $571,000 in February, breaking the previous record jackpot of $509,000 won in November by Moosue Stefern of Bergenfield, New Jersey.
EMPIRE CITY CASINO WELCOMES SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT COVER MODEL HANNAH DAVIS
SEVENTH ANNUAL CAMPAIGN TO ASSIST DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
EMPIRE CITY CASINO AT YONKERS RACEWAY PRESIDENT TIMOTHY J. ROONEY SUPPORTS CATHOLIC CHARITIES TO HELP LESS FORTUNATE WITH THE “CHRISTMAS SPIRIT” TOY AND COAT DRIVE NOVEMBER 22 THROUGH DECEMBER 6 AT THE GOTHAM PALACE PROMOTIONS BOOTH
On a sun-drenched day at Tavern on the Green in New York City, the Canadian mare Bee A Magician, an earner of $3.6 million in career purses, drew post position five and was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite in the $1 million International Trot, which will be held at Yonkers Raceway this Saturday afternoon (October 10).
Regular pilot Brian Sears will drive Bee A Magician, the only mare in the field, who has shown an affinity for Yonkers’ half-mile strip with three wins in four starts. The five-year-old daughter of Kadabra is in quest of her 11th victory this year. The 2013 harness Horse of the Year has recorded 41 career triumphs, and has beaten her male counterparts in stakes races on a regular basis. Richard ‘Nifty’ Norman is the trainer.
The 10 premier trotters in the world from six countries – Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United States – will go to the post in the 1¼-mile International, which has been revived by raceway president and CEO Tim Rooney after a 20-year absence. Post time for the International is at 3:10 PM/ET on the afternoon card.
The field for the International Trot in order of post position with odds, drivers and countries, is as follows: Creatine – (1/ Johnny Takter/United States, 4-1); Papagayo E – (2 /Ulf Ohlsson/Norway, 5-1); Rod Stewart – (3 /Enrico Bellei/Italy, 12-1); Timoko – (4 /Björn Goop/France, 6-1); Bee A Magician – (5/Brian Sears/Canada, 3-1); On Track Piraten – (6 / Erik Adielsson/Sweden, 10-1); Natural Herbie – (7 /Verlin Yoder/United States, 8-1); Mosaique Face – (8 /Adrian Kolgjini/Sweden, 6-1); BBS Sugarlight – (9/ Johan Untersteiner/Norway, 6-1); Oasis Bi – (10 /Örjan Kihlström/Italy, 8-1).
Creatine, one of two United States representatives, returns to his homeland after racing successfully throughout Europe this year in Sweden, Finland and Belgium, and has career purses earnings of $1.3 million. Johnny Takter will drive the 4-1 second choice from the coveted inside rail post position.
Papagayo E of Norway, with Ulf Ohlsson in the bike from post two, is third choice on the morning line at 5-1.
The second U.S.A. flag-carrier is Natural Herbie, the winner of last year’s International Trot Preview in world record time of 2:24:4, will be driven by owner-trainer Verlin Yoder, leaving from post seven at odds of 8-1am
Timoko, the standout from France driven by Bjorn Doop, was tabbed the co-fourth choice on the morning line from post four at odds of 6-1. The eight-year-old stallion sired by Imoko has also earned $3.5 million in lifetime purses, and has 25 career victories to his credit, including the Grand Prix de France earlier this year, and the prestigious Elitloppet in 2014.
Mosaique Face of Sweden, driven by Adrian Kolgini from post position eight, has earned $1 million in career earnings, captured the Elitloppet Prep earlier this year, and finished second in the Elitloppet final. Mosaique Face is co-fourth choice at 6-1 on the morning line.
The morning line odds-maker was Frank Drucker.
Yonkers' historic half-mile oval last hosted the International in 1995, that edition captured that year by Sweden’s His Majesty. This will be the 37th edition of the International, and the one-million dollar purse equals the richest in Yonkers history. The first seven-figure purse was in the 2007 Art Rooney Pace, won by Southwind Lynx. The International was inaugurated in 1959 at Roosevelt Raceway and moved to Yonkers by Rooney in 1988 when Roosevelt closed.
Tim Rooney, Owner of New York’s Empire City Casino and Son of NFL Steelers Founder, to be Recognized as One of State’s Top Leaders in Corporate Social Responsibility
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway Host Walk to Cure Diabetes; Vice President and COO Bob Galterio Captains "Cure for Cara" Team
Empire City Casino to Host “Changing of the Sash” Celebration to Install Tim Rooney, Jr. as Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal on Saturday, March 7th, in the Good Time Room
Saddle Brook, NJ, native, Bronxville, NY Resident
EMPIRE CITY CASINO’S WOMAN OF INFLUENCE – DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS TARYN DUFFY – TO BE HONORED AT THE 2015 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY THE IRISH VOICE ON THURSDAY, JUNE 25th, FROM 7:00-9:00 PM AT PIER A HARBOR HOUSE IN NYC
2015 Summer Concert Schedule
Sundays Trackside at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
Sunday, July 19 – Kenny Rogers
Sunday, August 9 – Trace Adkins
Sunday, August 16 – Lynyrd Skynyrd
For Fifth Consecutive Year
Fight Night at Empire City Casino, Wednesday, March 11th
Historic New York Daily News Golden Gloves Semi-Finals
New York, May 29—The Art Rooney Pace, which remembers the late, iconic patriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is set for this Saturday night, June 1, at Yonkers Raceway. The Rooney, in its 23rd renewal at the historic half-mile harness oval which also houses Empire City Casino, is worth $275,000. Eight 3-year-old colts and geldings each gained a berth to the Rooney by finishing in the top four in last Saturday’s eliminations.
Brian Sears - Driver, Bee A Magician
Sears…“It’s great to be invited and even better if she won it. I’m happy with spot we drew. I’m not familiar with all the competition, but she’s earned the right to be there, and I’m sure the other trotters have, too.”
“She gets around Yonkers well. The turns are no problem, but it’s a big field and we just have to see how it plays out.
“As for what it would mean for me personally to win it, I don’t want to think that far ahead. It’s obviously my first drive in the International, and I’m just looking forward to it.”
Note that Sears is driving at the Red Mile (Lexington, KY) through Friday. Very accommodating and I have mentioned to him he’s in demand leading up to race. He can be reached at (724-413-1060)
Verlin Yoder -- Owner, Trainer, Driver of Natural Herbie
"It is a big honor. Two U.S. horses were picked and you are one of them, it is very humbling."
(On being part of the first International Trot after 20 years)
"This is a horse that loves distance racing"
(On Natural Herbie running at Yonkers Raceway)
"You always have big expectations but you also don't want to embarrass yourself"
(The expectations for Saturday)
"All the horses have the right to be here, so you don't know what is going to happen until the gate opens"
P.G. Svard -- Owner of Oasis Bi
"Enormous happiness and very proud for the invitation" (On being part of the first International Trot in 20 years"
"Expectations fall a little bit after start position (10) but we are still optimistic"
(His expectations for Saturday)
"This is a certain dream to cross the Atlantic"
(On racing in the United States)
"Our horse was ranked number 1 in Europe on September 1st"
"Has the american blood to thank for his talent."
"Really happy to be invited and lucky to be here."
Tom Andersen -- Owner of Papagayo E
"As everyone, we gamble but if we have a good start, we can finish in the top 3"
"I didn't know I had this dream, but I am really excited to be a part of this race"
"We have faced On Track Piraten, Rod Stewart, BBS Sugarlight, Creatine and Mosaique Face. We have beaten On Track Piraten, Rod Stewart, BBS Sugarlight, and Creatine."
"The driver is unbeaten with this horse after one race, and he has a great connection with the horse."
Richard Westerink -- trainer of Timoko
"It was a dream for me to race in the States as a child so this is fantastic"
"This is a really big race and it is good for the sport"
"Has had a good training. The horse is a little light, but I don't think it will be a problem."
"Biggest competition is Mosaique Face and Bee A Magician but if we have a good number, we can win"
"If Mosaique is out in front, they can win. If they are not leading, they will not win."
Knut Groenlie -- BBS Sugarlight
"Stability, he is a speedy horse from the start."
(Horse's best attribute)
"He started to be a really good horse 1.5 years ago, and has been increasing all the time in his results."
"I would say so"
(When asked if he is among the top Europeans)
Hans Stromberg -- Trainer of On Track Piraten
"He is a very strong horse"
ART ROONEY PACE REMEMBERS STEELERS FOUNDING FATHER AT YONKERS RACEWAY JUNE 1
$50 MILLION EXPANSION ENHANCES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT EMPIRE CITY CASINO
EMPIRE CITY CASINO IS TURNING LOSERS INTO WINNERS
Losing New York Lottery Scratch Off Tickets Turn into Free Play Thursdays in July
Fall Harvest Festival Legislators Pace Recap
It was “The Buter and the Beautiful” Saturday afternoon, with Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Hannah Davis visiting Yonkers Raceway to host Empire City Casino's Kentucky Derby festivities.
The lovely Ms. Davis was on hand to take pictures with fans as well as judge — with the equally-lovely Tyler Buter, one of the Raceway’s leading drivers — Empire City’s annual Derby tradition, the “Fancy Derby Hat Contest.”
A good time was had by the participants, though there was one "complaint."
“I hate being constantly stalked by the paparazzi,” Buter said.