(PHOTO: Provided by Tioga Downs)

NICHOLS, N.Y. (WENY) -- In the spirit of "Giving Tuesday" -- Tioga Downs Casino and Resort gave away more than a million dollars to 100 area non-profit organizations Tuesday evening.

$1.5 million was given to organizations that serve Chemung, Tioga, Broome, and Bradford Counties. The money came from the Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation, and it's given out with the goal of combating local poverty, and to help spur community development.

“Through the experiences shared by our award winners, we eagerly anticipate the ripple effects of these grants making a real difference close to home,” said Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural. “There are countless organizations doing amazing work, often without the budget they truly deserve, and these grants aim to amplify their impact.”

For more information about the foundation and grant applications, visit www.tiogadowns.com/foundation/