December 19, 2013 - In the KS Star Casino’s inaugural Trees of Hope contest, ten area non-profits decorated Christmas trees on display in the casino in an attempt to win votes from casino patrons and other supporters to raise money for their cause. The first-place prize was $5,000, second-place was $2,500 and third was $1,000. On the evening of December 19^th, the winners were revealed.

Surprisingly, there was a tie for first place between the DAV and Futures Unlimited. The YWCA won third place. To determine the dollar amount the two first place finishers would get, casino officials added the first and second prize money together and divided it between the two. “We couldn’t believe there was a tie when we counted the votes,” said Megan Strader, the casinos public relations manager. “We counted them three times!”

Futures will receive $3,750 to go straight to the supports and services so many in Sumner County depend on. “We’ve been so grateful to a number of area individuals and businesses for giving generously to Futures during our annual donation drive we’ve conducted over the holiday season,” says Trisha Logan, Futures’ communications coordinator.” To win this additional $3,750 is absolutely icing on the cake and we’re very thankful for each person who voted for our tree.”