Hammond Gaming Advisory Commission awards $427,100 to local nonprofits

Hammond City’s Gaming Advisory Commission on March 26 approved grants totaling $427,100 to local nonprofit organizations, awarding funds to community groups, schools and arts and youth programs to support operations, equipment and outreach.

Councilwoman Katrina Alexander, chair of the Gaming Advisory Commission, opened the meeting and led votes approving individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. Alexander told the commission that “the grand total was $427,100 that we were able to bless organizations with,” and said the commission prioritized organizations with sustained local service amid a smaller funding pool than in recent years.

The awards included several larger grants: Toll Performing Arts Company received $20,000 for production expenses; the School City of Hammond robotics program received $20,000 for program costs and travel; Hessville Community in Commerce (HC3) received $15,000 for parade costs and building maintenance; and the Pulaski Park Neighborhood Association received $15,000 for landscaping and median repair. A number of school athletic teams and after-school programs received smaller grants for equipment, travel and facility needs.

Why it matters: Alexander said the commission’s pool of available gaming dollars is substantially smaller than in prior years, noting the commission once had “over 2 and a half million dollars to help fund many different groups” and this year had roughly 20% of that amount. The commission said it prioritized organizations that both demonstrate sustained local benefit and are not primarily funded by gaming dollars.

How the meeting proceeded: The commission took a single-by-single roll-call approach, with members making motions, seconds and recording “aye” votes. In several instances the transcript records named abstentions; otherwise motions were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Votes at a glance (approved awards; mover / seconder / noted abstentions when recorded): - 4 Quarters for Life Community Organization — $5,000 (motion: approve award to support sports mentor program). Mover: Tom Deverton; Second: Al Salinas. Outcome: approved. - American Veterans Collection — $3,000 (food and holiday gifts for veterans). Mover: Katrina Alexander; Second: (recorded second). Outcome: approved. - Bishop Knoll Institute — $5,000 (technology and curriculum for BNI students). Mover: Andrea Edwards; Second: Councilman Al Salinas. Outcome: approved. - Books, Brushes and Bands — $10,000 (reading, art and music programs). Mover: Sharon Zaney; Second: Katrina Alexander. Noted abstention: Melissa Ferrell. Outcome: approved. - Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana — $10,000 (expand STEM opportunities, professional development). Mover: Andrea Edwards; Second: Lori Zullo. Outcome: approved. - Community Center Development Corporation at Ophelia Steen — $10,000 (operational expenses and maintenance). Mover: Katrina Alexander; Second: Andrea Edwards. Outcome: approved. - Department of Defense Honor Guard — $5,000 (uniforms and military funeral honors). Mover: Tom Deverton; Second: Sharon Zaney. Outcome: approved. - Eger’s Community Garden — $3,000 (create a community garden with student participation).…