Augustine Casino Launches Slots Fundraiser

Everyone wins at Augustine Casino.

For the next two weeks, the casino will be donating half of its collection from a dozen selected slot machines to the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda.

“We provide a place for families to stay while their children are receiving medical treatment at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital or other nearby medical facilities,” said Executive Director Dee Feldmeier.

When the house is full, the casino money will be used to help pay for families’ accommodations at local hotels.

Manuel Dagnino, of Desert Hot Springs, applauds the fundraiser. His family stays at the house frequently to be near his son.

“He’s 16 years old, and he’s almost died on me a couple of times already,” he said. “He’s just so strong. He wants to keep on living.”

A family that stays together heals together.

“When you’re going through a big crisis, you’re dealing with families who are going through what you’re going through,” said Dagnino. “You’re able to share because it’s heartbreaking when you have a child in the hospital that’s fighting for their lives.”

This is the casino’s third year in sponsoring this fundraiser. The casino raised over $15,000 during the first year; $17,000, the second year. This year’s goal is set at $20,000.

The event ends March 27.