Delta Downs announces winners of 11th annual Trees of Hope contest

VINTON — Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel announced on Dec. 14 the winners of the 11th annual Trees of Hope, which featured 12-foot trees decorated by non-profit organizations from across southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. Members of the public had the opportunity to visit and vote for their favorite charity.

This year, Delta Downs awarded more than $10,000 in prizes, including $5,000 for first place to St. Nicholas Center for Children; $2,500 for second place to Orange County Special Angels Rodeo; $1,000 to Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana for third place; and $200 to each of the other participating organizations, which included International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana, Dreams Come True of Louisiana, NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Health, and Colors for a Cause — Louisiana.

Sasol supports MSU: Sasol donates $75,000 to the First Choice Campaign at McNeese State University. Local industry partners and contractors are investing in McNeese and the future of Southwest Louisiana through the campaign, a three-year initiative with a goal of raising $1 million per year for the next three years. Sasol will contribute $25,000 per year over the three-year period for the campaign. This commitment from Sasol to the First Choice Campaign will provide necessary resources to sustain growth in high demand academic areas. On hand for the presentation are, from left, Marcus Boutte, Sasol senior manager of supply chain, McNeese President Dr. Daryl V. Burckel, Paul Hippman, Sasol vice president of operations, East Plant, Tom Tyree, Sasol senior manager of engineering and controls, and Pete Symons, Sasol manager of corporate affairs.