Jimmy Sturr & the Polka Buzz – Article by James Fink
News flash: Despite having the well-earned title as the “King of Polka,” Jimmy Sturr is not Polish. “No, I’m 100% Irish,” Sturr said. Sturr and his 12-piece orchestra will be headlining an April 25 “Polka Buzz” concert at Batavia Downs, with the Western New York region almost like a second home for the acclaimed musician and band leader. “Buffalo always welcomes me,” Sturr said. By the way, … Continue reading Jimmy Sturr & the Polka Buzz – Article by James Fink
“Brighter Days” Spring Toy Drive
April 19, 2024 – Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel held a Spring Toy Drive that ran from March 1 – April 15. The toy drive was an amazing success! Our staff sends a sincere thank you to all the wonderful people who donated to the drop boxes in our lobby and at Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles. Donations went to the Heart of Kindness Center … Continue reading “Brighter Days” Spring Toy Drive
Donating 30K raised from the 2024 Fur Ball Gala
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that the Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 raised $30,000 for Begin Again Horse Rescue in Lima, NY and Whispering River Rescue in Gasport, NY. Over 90 baskets donated by local companies and individuals were raffled off to the more than 200 persons in attendance. Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas took pictures with attendees while … Continue reading Donating 30K raised from the 2024 Fur Ball Gala
Genesee Room Dedication
On Thursday, March 28, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel held a ceremony in front of the newly renovated and renamed “Genesee Banquet Room,” previously the Grandstands Banquet Room. This ceremony was a debut of the room, as well a dedication to Richard E. Siebert, a longtime member and past chairman of the WROTBC board. Press Coverage: The Batavian Batavia Daily News Watch the ceremony our … Continue reading Genesee Room Dedication
Music Of The Stars – Article by James Fink
“Elvis, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin will be on stage at Batavia Downs. All are key segments of a diverse setlist by the seven-member “Music of the Stars” ensemble that’s scheduled to play Saturday, March 23 at Batavia Downs’ Park Place Event Center. The concert is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. For the Rochester-based “Music of the Stars,” the show marks the fourth … Continue reading Music Of The Stars – Article by James Fink
Main St. 56 Theater – Community Support of the Year Award
January 6, 2023 – Main St. 56 Theater, home of the Batavia Players, presented Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel with the Community Support of the Year Award! Batavia Downs is a proud sponsor of the newly built Main St. 56 Theater. We are glad to support this organization, that provides an outlet for creativity and source of entertainment for folks within our community. … Continue reading Main St. 56 Theater – Community Support of the Year Award
Presenting $2,884.60 to Elba Central School
November 22, 2023 – This summer, Elba Central School’s Class of 2025 and baseball team helped clean up cans, bottles, garbage, and chairs after each Rockin’ The Downs show. They earned $1,442.30 by returning the recyclables they gathered! Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel matched that, for a total of $2,884.60! Thank you to all of those who volunteered to help us! Your additional … Continue reading Presenting $2,884.60 to Elba Central School
Presenting a check for $7,000 to the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court
Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court with a check for $7,000 to help support their efforts of assisting Veterans within the court system. On October 21st a Vets night dinner was held at Batavia Downs in conjunction with a night of live racing. Proceeds from live and penny auctions were collected in support of the Rochester … Continue reading Presenting a check for $7,000 to the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court
BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION WITH $10,379 CHECK FROM SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION WITH $10,379 CHECK FROM SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Contribution From Chair Rental Booth at Summer Concert Series BATAVIA –Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by staff from Make-A-Wish Western New York, as Batavia Downs Presented them with a check for $10,379. These proceeds were from this past summer’s Chair Rentals, Glow … Continue reading BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION WITH $10,379 CHECK FROM SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MOTHERS OF VETERAN SUICIDE WITH PROCEEDS FROM SOCK HOP FUNDRAISER
BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MOTHERS OF VETERAN SUICIDE WITH PROCEEDS FROM SOCK HOP FUNDRAISER $3,330 Raised for Organization BATAVIA – Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by staff from Mothers of Veteran Suicide as they were presented with a check for $3,300. These proceeds were from the “Sock Hop” event that took place at Batavia … Continue reading BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MOTHERS OF VETERAN SUICIDE WITH PROCEEDS FROM SOCK HOP FUNDRAISER
Roc Solid Foundation
Team Batavia Downs got to work today to build a brand new playground for a sweet little girl named Scarlett! Thank you to the Roc Solid Foundation for giving us this meaningful opportunity to get involved and make a difference! It was such a reward to see the smile on Scarlett & her family member’s faces when we revealed the project. It was a day … Continue reading Roc Solid Foundation
BATAVIA DOWNS SPONSORS LOCAL K-9 UNITS WITH FOUND MONEY
On July 13th 2023, a ceremony was held in the lobby at Batavia Downs Gaming as Batavia Downs presented both local K-9 Units with a check from money that went unclaimed at Batavia Downs. When the money went unclaimed, Batavia Downs decided to sponsor the Department’s K-9 Unit as they have done in the past. Both the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and the Batavia Police … Continue reading BATAVIA DOWNS SPONSORS LOCAL K-9 UNITS WITH FOUND MONEY
Presenting $3,000 to WNYHeroes Inc. from the Jackpot 5K
Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by staff from WNY Heroes, Inc as they were presented with a check for $3,000. These proceeds were from this past Saturday’s Jackpot 5k event. “WNY Heroes does so much good in this community, we were pleased to have them be the primary beneficiary of our first ever 5k … Continue reading Presenting $3,000 to WNYHeroes Inc. from the Jackpot 5K
2023 Readers Choice
We are delighted to be 2023 Reader’s Choice Best Bed & Breakfast in Genesee County!
FUR BALL GALA FUNDRAISER RAISES $20,000 FOR LOCAL ANIMAL CHARITIES
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that the Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 raised $20,000 for Volunteers for Animals, the Animal Shelter of Genesee County, the SPCA of Wyoming County & the SPCA of Niagara County. Over 70 baskets donated by local companies were raffled off to the more than 160 persons in attendance. Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas took … Continue reading FUR BALL GALA FUNDRAISER RAISES $20,000 FOR LOCAL ANIMAL CHARITIES
Bringing the Roc Solid Foundation to NYS
Heading into Fall of 2022, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel began a partnership with the Roc Solid Foundation to help build play sets for children in New York that are battling pediatric cancer. Two families were chosen. Remi and her family, of Rochester NY, had their big reveal in late October. Batavia Downs staff proudly assisted in this build. Donovan and his family, of Fulton … Continue reading Bringing the Roc Solid Foundation to NYS
BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION WITH CHECK FROM SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CHAIR RENTAL
Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by staff from Make-A-Wish Western New York as they were presented with a check for $7,500. These proceeds were from this past summer’s Chair Rentals, Glow Jewelry and Can Coolers at Batavia’s Summer Concert Series. “Make-A-Wish Western New York does so much good in this community, we were pleased … Continue reading BATAVIA DOWNS PRESENTS MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION WITH CHECK FROM SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CHAIR RENTAL
BREAST CANCER COALITION OF ROCHESTER EVENT AT BATAVIA DOWNS RAISES RECORD FUNDS
Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) with a check for $23,605.70 to help those who been affected by breast or gynecologic cancer. On September 16th, a dinner fundraiser with raffles to benefit the BCCR was held inside the Clubhouse in conjunction with a night of racing. Businesses and donors located … Continue reading BREAST CANCER COALITION OF ROCHESTER EVENT AT BATAVIA DOWNS RAISES RECORD FUNDS
Batavia Downs Sponsors Batavia Police Department’s Community Night Out 2022
August 9, 2022 – Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is proud to be a Diamond Sponsor for the Batavia Police Department’s Community Night Out – A community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make safer neighborhoods. Read more about the event here: https://crimewatch.net/us/ny/genesee/batavia-pd/138661/events/annual-community-night-out-tonight?fbclid=IwAR2jXtjNkZoYd8jfUPQlImqniEApu4nQtp3V2XjnAvDANL98RgdzH1luick
Ricky Palermo Charity Concert Raises $20,000 in Ticket Sales
Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) / Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Ricky Palermo Foundation with a check for $20,000 from ticket sales, food vendor and chair rental fees from the Bruce in the USA concert which was held on June 10th at Batavia Downs. “We are so grateful to all the wonderful people in the community that volunteered their … Continue reading Ricky Palermo Charity Concert Raises $20,000 in Ticket Sales
Batavia Downs sponsors the 11 Day Power Play
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is proud to sponsor the team shown below at The 11 Day Power Play to help raise money for cancer research. Congratulations to all competitors! Find out more & donate here: https://www.11daypowerplay.com/
Batavia Downs & Ricky Palermo Foundation announce donation of tickets to Genesee County Veterans
Representatives from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel and the Ricky Palermo foundation today donated over 3,300 tickets to the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency for the upcoming concerts at Batavia Downs. The first concert, featuring Bruce in the USA, the World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, will take place on Friday, June 10th. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales, chair rental … Continue reading Batavia Downs & Ricky Palermo Foundation announce donation of tickets to Genesee County Veterans
Batavia Downs Vendor Show raises $2,000 for the Oakfield Alabama Little League Program
May 23, 2022 – Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) / Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Oakfield Alabama Little League with a check for $2,000. The funds will help maintain the baseball fields and will help keep registration fees low for families. The Shopping for Mom Craft and Gift Showcase, held at Batavia Downs on May 1st, was … Continue reading Batavia Downs Vendor Show raises $2,000 for the Oakfield Alabama Little League Program
NY Responsible Play Partnership, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel Team Up to Promote Responsible Gaming
The New York State Gaming Commission, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and New York Council on Problem Gambling, which together comprise New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP), today came together with executive management at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel to discuss steps being taken to address problem gambling. Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams debuted signage featuring the industry’s first-ever … Continue reading NY Responsible Play Partnership, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel Team Up to Promote Responsible Gaming
Raising money for Volunteers for Animals & the Genesee County Animal Shelter
Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) / Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Genesee County Volunteers for Animals and the Genesee County Animal Shelter with checks totaling $2,471 to help support their efforts to take care of animals in the Genesee County area. The Puppy Paws Indoor Craft and Vendor Market, held at Batavia Downs on February 6th, was … Continue reading Raising money for Volunteers for Animals & the Genesee County Animal Shelter
Supporting the Rochester Veterans Court Mentors
Contribution a Result of Onsite Event Held in December BATAVIA – Batavia Downs Gaming Vice President Scott Kiedrowski, along with General Manager of Gaming, Sean Schiano, Group Sales Manager Mary Bucceri and Director / General Manager of Live Racing, Todd Haight, presented representatives from the Rochester Veterans Court Mentors (RVCM) with a check for $710 to help support their efforts of assisting Veterans within the … Continue reading Supporting the Rochester Veterans Court Mentors
Donation to the Buffalo Sabres Turkey Drive
On November 18, 2021, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel donated a truck full of turkeys to the Annual Buffalo Sabres Turkey Drive. Ryan, our Director of Marketing, Heather, our Environmental Services Supervisor, and Tom, our Director of Building & Grounds dropped off 800 lbs of turkeys to the Buffalo City Mission & FeedMore of Western New York! We’ve been donating to this worthy cause since … Continue reading Donation to the Buffalo Sabres Turkey Drive
A Donation of Goods to GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester
On November 17, 2021, Batavia Downs Employees, Connie & Mikala, dropped off a donation to Gigi’s Playhouse Rochester. GiGi’s is a private not-for-profit organization. GiGi’s provide FREE purposeful programming for individuals with Down syndrome. The positive and uplifting environment at GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester empowers those with Down syndrome and their families to reach their highest potential. Learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse and find out … Continue reading A Donation of Goods to GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester
Celebrity Bartending Night to benefit #ConnorStrong
On October 29, 2021, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel hosted a Celebrity Bartending Night in the Labatt Blue Zone at 34 Rush. Featured at this event were local celebrities such as former Buffalo Bills player Thurman Thomas, Buffalo Hockey legend Danny Gare, DJ Jickster from 97 Rock, Patrick Hammer from WGRZ, & Dave Greber from WVIB. The purpose of this event was to raise money … Continue reading Celebrity Bartending Night to benefit #ConnorStrong
Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) Sponsorship
Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) with a check for $19,653 to help support their efforts as they support those to have been touched by breast or gynecologic cancer. On September 10th, a dinner fundraiser to benefit the BCCR was held inside the Clubhouse in conjunction with a night of racing. … Continue reading Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) Sponsorship
Elba Central School Sponsorship
On October 22, 2021, Batavia Downs presented a $1618.00 sponsorship to Elba Central School. During the 2021 Summer Concert Series, student volunteers assisted our staff in picking up used cans and bottles after each show. Considering that this task got very sticky at times (literally), they were always very reliable, efficient, and eager to help. It is safe to say these students are hard workers. … Continue reading Elba Central School Sponsorship
Volunteer Work – Habitat for Humanity 2021
On October 20th & 21st, employees from several departments at Batavia Downs volunteered to help build a house for Habitat for Humanity.
Operation Warm Sponsorship
Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees and members of the Batavia Fire Department as a check for $2,000 was presented to Operation Warm. Operation Warm provides brand new shoes and coats to needy children across North America. “As we move into the winter season, we know that some local families are in need of high-quality … Continue reading Operation Warm Sponsorship
Make-A-Wish Western New York Sponsorship
Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $4,500 check to help support the incredible work they do by fulfilling the dreams of Western New York children. “One of the best aspects of the work we do is being able to give back. The team at Batavia Downs and Western … Continue reading Make-A-Wish Western New York Sponsorship
Volunteers for Animals Sponsorship
The Volunteers For Animals took part in our Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series by hosting a raffle for a guitar, autographed by the headliner, each show. Proceeds from the raffle went to the Genesee County Animal Shelter & the surrounding area. The Batavia Downs Team is proud to be supportive of such an essential operation. Find out more & make a donation at: https://www.vol4animals.org/home/help-the-animals
Alzheimer’s Association Sponsorship
Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Alzheimer’s Association with a $2,000 check to support Western New York patients and their families. “We could not be prouder of the team at Batavia Downs. As we’ve made our way through the pandemic, we understand now more than ever the need to support our neighbors … Continue reading Alzheimer’s Association Sponsorship
Batavia Downs Sponsors the Batavia Police Department’s Community Night Out 2021
In August of 2021, Batavia Downs was a Diamond Level Sponsor of Batavia Police Department’s Night. The event intends to create and strengthen relationships between the community and the police department. Proceeds from that night went to the City of Batavia Police K-9 Program. Crime Watch (Story): https://crimewatch.net/…/batavia-police-community-night…
2021 Employer Recognition Award
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has been selected one of four statewide recipients of “The Arc New York 2021 Employer of the Year Award,” acknowledging the value of employing people with disabilities in their place of business Arc of Genesee Orleans Director of Development Shelley Falitico says Batavia Downs has been a longtime friend of the agency, hosting Arc Night at the Races and Arc’s annual awards … Continue reading 2021 Employer Recognition Award
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program Sponsorship
On June 24th, a ceremony was held in the lobby at Batavia Downs Gaming as Batavia Downs showcased their $2,300 sponsorship of the Genesee County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. The money was left at Batavia Downs and was turned into the Sheriff’s office. When the money went unclaimed, Batavia Downs decided to sponsor the Department’s K-9 Unit. The money will be used to help provide equipment for the … Continue reading Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program Sponsorship
Batavia Police Department K-9 Program Sponsorship
On March 17th, a ceremony was held in the lobby at Batavia Downs Gaming as they donated $1,463.14 to the Batavia Police Department’s K-9 Unit. The money was left at Batavia Downs and was turned in to the police. When the money went unclaimed, Batavia Downs decided to donate that money to the Police Department’s K-9 Unit. The money will be used to help fund … Continue reading Batavia Police Department K-9 Program Sponsorship
Front Line Healthcare Ticket Giveaway
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