Futures Tree of Hope at Kansas Star Casino.

Submitted to Sumner Newscow — Futures Unlimited Inc. is one of 10 non-profit organizations vying for a chance to win a $5,000 first-place cash prize for their organization through the Kansas Star Casino’s Tree of Hope contest by each decorating a Christmas tree on site at the casino. Futures Unlimited, Inc. entered this contest for a chance to win the cash prize to benefit the men, women, children and families served by Futures.

“Over the past several years, our programs and services have been significantly impacted as a result of continually declining resources – a trend that will most likely continue,” says Tom Kohmetscher, Futures president/CEO. “Generous opportunities like this one through the Kansas Star Casino give us yet one more chance to make others aware of our mission and its importance to the residents of Sumner County.”

The first-place cash prize is $5,000, second place is $2,500 and third is $1,000. All runners-up will receive a $125 cash prize. All voting takes place at the casino. Players Club Members will decide the winners of the Tree of Hope contest by casting votes December 3-December 17, 2013. Additionally, those who cast votes in the contest also register themselves to win a prize. Details are available by talking with Player’s Club officials.

Kansas Star Casino’s Marketing and Events Coordinator, Sonya Jackson said, “Guests to the casino can pick up voting ballots at the Lucky Star Players Club, located at the front of the casino. Each tree will have a ballot box and they simply drop their ballot into the box of the tree they choose. Voters must be a member of the Lucky Star Players Club (joining is easy and free) and can only vote once.”

The trees are located near the casino’s southeast entrance. Other Tree of Hope contest entrants include mostly Wichita-area agencies such as the YMCA, Valley of Hope (equine rescue), Disabled American Veterans, YWCA, Belle Plaine Scholarship Fund, Communities in Schools, Leukemia Foundation and Humane Society.

“We hope everyone in Sumner County will come out to the casino Dec. 3-17 and vote for Futures’ tree,” says Trisha Logan, Futures communications coordinator.