The Cincinnati Museum Center recently invited all of their Corporate Business Sponsors to compete in their very own version of the hit reality game show, The Amazing Race. As a long-time supporter of the Museum Center, Argosy was invited to field a team of six employees that were eager to explore the CMC and see the iconic building as it has never been seen before.

The event began with all the teams meeting to review the rules and scope out the competition. Each team was then led to a different location and was given a task. Once the task was completed, a clue was given that led to the next destination. Teams were racing against the clock to find their way to six destinations within the building.

The teams were treated to dinner and awards ceremony following the race. While the Argosy team led most of the way, they ultimately finished in 5th place. Oh well, there’s always next year!!!

Argosy recently presented a $7,500 check to the Warm the Children Fund. This marks the 10th straight year that Argosy has provided a major financial contribution to the charity, bringing their total donations to over $70,000. In 2006, Argosy also provided an endowment to the Dearborn Community Foundation for the establishment of the “Dearborn County Register’s Warm the Children Endowment Fund”. This will allow the program to continue to touch the lives of children and adults for many years to come.

Warm the Children is an entirely volunteer-driven effort dedicated to providing clothing such as coats, gloves, shoes and more to keep children in need warm during the winter months. Hundreds of volunteer “shoppers” and hundreds of volunteer donors support the charity, which is sponsored by The Dearborn County Register newspaper in Lawrenceburg.

Sharon Coffee has worked as an Argosy Greeter for nine years. As the tour busses pull in, Sharon is always waiting to greet the passengers inside. She does so with a warm smile that makes everyone feel welcome. What those customers don’t know is the horrific tragedy that Sharon has endured. Sharon’s twelve year old son, Ben took his own life eight years ago after being the constant target of severe taunting and teasing by his classmates. Since then, Sharon has made it her mission to bring attention to the effects of bullying and peer pressure on kids. She gives her time to speak to local school children and share the story of her son. She also developed and funds the “Friendship Award” that is given to 50 local students who are identified as exhibiting exceptional character.

Recently, Sharon successfully lobbied the Indiana House of Representatives to pass a bill that would make the Friendship Award a state recognized program. She has even written to President Bush to offer her award as a national program.

When asked why she does all this, Sharon simply states, “If I can help just one young person avoid the pain and suffering that my son felt, then everything I’ve done is worth it!” Sharon’s tireless efforts and great commitment to what she believes in is an inspiration to all that know her story. Argosy is proud to call her one of their own.

The Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce recently selected Larry Kinser, Vice-President and General Manager of the Argosy Casino & Hotel, to receive the 2007 Chairman’s Award. Larry was given the award during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner held on November 8th. He was selected for the award based on his ongoing commitment to Lawrenceburg and Dearborn County. During his tenure, he has been supportive of the continuation of the Argosy Community Action Team, which allows Argosy employees to serve the local community. He oversaw the development and implementation of the Lawrenceburg Employee Assistance Fund which assists Argosy employees who suffer severe financial hardships during the course of their employment. Argosy is also a supporter of numerous local events and charities including the Lawrenceburg Festival, Aurora Farmer’s Fair, Safe Passage and the Cincinnati Museum Center.

The Argosy Community Action Team, recently held a baby shower, but this wasn’t your typical shower. It wasn’t held for a friend, co-worker or family member, but for the Dearborn County Baby Basket.

The Baby Basket is a non-profit volunteer organization that operates a “store” for families with young children who are in need of resources. Parents, parents-to-be, and pregnant teens earn verification forms from their doctors, counselors or school. Those forms are then taken to the Baby Basket Store and redeemed for diapers, wipes, clothes, and other items. The Baby Basket relies on community support and donations to continue to operate, which is the reason that Nikki Smith, CATeam member, decided to have the shower. Attendees were invited to bring their “gifts” and were treated to cake and ice cream during their lunch hour. Employees donated a total of 1,670 diapers, 21 packs of baby wipes and several other items.