Golden Gaming, Inc. Raises $20,000 for the Las Vegas Great Santa Run and Opportunity Village

LAS VEGAS - With NASCAR superstar Kurt Busch leading the way, the 2009 Las Vegas Great Santa Run was once again a great success with 8,868 Santas participating in this year’s run. Golden Gaming, Inc., owners and operators of PT’s and Sierra Gold, was the title sponsor for the 2009 Great Santa Run and was able to raise $20,000 for Opportunity Village.

“We’re very pleased with the amount of community support and overall success of this year’s Las Vegas Great Santa Run. This event is so special for many people and we are excited to continue to develop our partnership with Opportunity Village,” said Sheila Pankas, Golden Gaming, Inc. vice president of community relations.

Golden Gaming, Inc., owned by Blake Sartini, held several fundraisers throughout the fall to raise money for Opportunity Village, including a “Kill the Keg” promotion and the selling of ‘danglers’ for tavern guests to show their support for the Great Santa Run. All PT’s locations throughout Las Vegas also served as registration points for those participating in the Great Santa Run, and Sierra Gold locations served as the location for participants to pick up their Santa suits the week prior to the Great Santa Run.

Kurt Busch served as the Grand Marshal for this year’s race and he was brought into the event through his partnership with Golden Gaming, Inc. A Las Vegas native, Busch won two races during the NASCAR season this year and finished in fourth place in the 2009 Sprint Cup standings.

Local entertainers Zowie Bowie, Yellow Brick Road, Paul Draper, George Dare, Jeff Civillico (V Theater’s “Amazed”) and Dr. Zhivegas were also in attendance to provide rocking performances and energize the thousands of Santas in attendance.

The 5th Annual Great Santa Run took place at Town Square Las Vegas and all proceeds from the event benefit Opportunity Village. This was the first year the event took place in Town Square with downtown Las Vegas serving as the race’s location for the previous four years.