Salvation Army gets additional $14,000 donation

For the second time in consecutive days, a gaming company has donated thousands of dollars to the Salvation Army after its headquarters was robbed of $13,000 last weekend.

Derek Stevens, chief executive officer for the Golden Gate, said his company donated $14,000 to the Salvation Army on Thursday.

“Golden Gate has had a great run in Las Vegas,” Stevens said of the historic downtown hotel and casino. “We’re just trying to support them in a time of need.”

On Wednesday, officials with Station Casinos announced a $13,000 donation to cover the loss. Station spokeswoman Lori Nelson said the general managers of individual properties suggested the idea and each casino was able to chip in to match the stolen money.

Charlie Desiderio, marketing director for the charity, said he’s ecstatic that Golden Gate has stepped up alongside Station Casinos. He said he’s even been contacted by others who have pledged to donate.

“Anytime we have a need, this community always comes and meets it,” Desiderio said. “It’s amazing.”

The burglary was discovered Tuesday after the long holiday weekend. A bag of money, collected by bell ringers was taken from a locked filing cabinet.

Desiderio said there were no signs of forced entry and that someone with a key was probably responsible. He was worried the theft would be a setback for the charity, which relies heavily on holiday donations in order to operate. Las Vegas police spokesman Bill Cassell said Thursday the investigation into the burglary is ongoing.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.