by Geoff Fox
The Washington County Gaming Commission awarded over $1.9 million to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and 82 local charitable organizations.
Of that $1,976,373.76 total, $168,600 went to organizations that are of interest to Hancock residents.
Friends of Safe Place, Child Advocacy Center were the highest of those interests, receiving $60,000 from the commission. Boys and Girls Club was second at $40,000.
In Hancock, Interfaith Service Coalition received $27,000 and Hancock Little League received $2,000.
Other places that received money from the Gaming Commission were Big Brothers Big Sisters ($14,100), C&O Canal Trust ($2,000), YMCA ($5,000), and Washington County Free Library ($18,500).
In May, the Washington County Gaming Commission received 100 separate applications from 86 charitable organizations requesting a total of $1,975,857.33.
After a one-day workshop in June, and a public hearing in July, the commission was able to either partially or fully fund 95 of the 100 requests.
Of the 100 applications received, 19 received full funding, 76 partial funding, and five were denied funding. A total of $988,186.88 was allocated to 82 of the 86 charitable organizations.
The Gaming Fund total of $1,976,373.76 for fiscal year 2018, which ended June 30, represents an increase of $2,10174 when compared to fiscal year 2017 revenues.
State law requires funds be divided equally between the Washington County Fire and Rescue association and local charities.
In January, the Fire and Rescue association received $422,632.65. As of August 7, an additional $565,554.23 will be distributed, bringing the yearly total for Fire and Rescue to $988,186.88.
