A personal experience inspired a yearly campaign for a cure.
In observance of breast cancer awareness month, Gun Lake Casino in Wayland is excited to announce their sixth annual breast cancer awareness campaign. The annual fundraiser to support research and other vital services began after Carter Pavey, assistant general manager of Gun Lake Casino, lost his wife to the disease in 2014.
“Like so many others in our community, my life has been personally affected by cancer. My spouse lost her battle to breast cancer six years ago, at the age of only 31 years old. I have witnessed the pain and stress that the human body goes through when fighting this awful disease and it is heartbreaking. My story is far too common, as cancer has impacted everyone in some degree,” said Carter Pavey, assistant general manager of Gun Lake Casino. “The best way to reduce the widespread effect of this disease is by funding continued research. I am proud Gun Lake Casino is able to support the American Cancer Society in the fight for a cure.”
This year, Gun Lake Casino is the American Cancer Society’s top sponsor for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of West Michigan campaign. For the entire month of October, the casino is collaborating with the American Cancer Society to improve the lives of those battling breast cancer. In addition to a monetary donation to the American Cancer Society, Gun Lake Casino will observe breast cancer awareness during the month of October by going pink throughout the property.
The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. In 2020 alone, the American Cancer Society projects 279,100 women will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer.
Throughout the month of October, guests will discover a variety of pink features inside the casino to raise awareness for the campaign. Guests have the opportunity to receive a free limited edition GLC rewards card, featuring the American Cancer Society’s pink ribbon and play at select table games decorated with pink layouts.
Pink-themed donation boxes will be present at each entrance to the casino, allowing guests to donate their EZ pay tickets. Gun Lake Casino will match the EZ pay ticket donations during the month of October. Guests may also purchase freshly baked pink ribbon cookies and pink cosmopolitans, with the proceeds being donated to the American Cancer Society.
“Last year Gun Lake Casino exceeded their goal by nearly $4,000, equating to 40 additional rides to treatment and 50 additional nights of lodging provided at Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids,” said Susan Brogger, senior manager for the American Cancer Society. “We are thrilled to have Gun Lake Casino as our first ever presenting sponsor for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of West Michigan. We have been here for 22 years and have never had a presenting sponsor, and in a time when we need support more than ever Gun Lake Casino is here for us.”
The American Cancer Society is encouraging supporters to visit West Michigan locations of Making Strides sponsors through a scavenger hunt from October 3, 2020 to October 17, 2020. Gun Lake Casino is a key location included in the hunt. A QR code will be placed within the casino for Making Strides supporters to discover. Each scavenger hunt participant must scan the QR code for a chance to win prizes from the American Cancer Society.
To follow along and participate in the casino’s efforts, everyone is encouraged to use #MakingStridesatGLC.
About Gun Lake Casino
Gun Lake Casino is located off Exit 61 on U.S. 131, halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The casino features over 2,200 slot machines, 47 table games, a 225-seat café, and a 300-seat buffet, along with bars, lounges, and live entertainment.
Gun Lake Casino is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi. For more information, visit www.gunlakecasino.com.
