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Elk Grove Citizen

Casino, Tribe Raise $200,000 to Support Area Food Banks

Jun 02, 2026 04:26PM ● By Sky River Casino News Release

The third annual Wilton Rancheria Charity Golf Tournament held on May 18 raised more than $200,000, with all proceeds benefiting both the Elk Grove Food Bank Services and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Photo courtesy of Sky River Casino

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) — Wilton Rancheria, in partnership with Sky River Casino, the Elk Grove Food Bank Services, and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 3rd Annual Wilton Rancheria Charity Golf Tournament held on May 18 at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills.

The event raised more than $200,000 with all proceeds benefiting both the Elk Grove Food Bank Services and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. In a generous show of community spirit, the tournament's first-place team also donated their winnings to the Elk Grove Food Bank Services.

The tournament brought together community leaders, business partners, and regional supporters for a day of fun and philanthropy. Local dignitaries, along with Wilton Rancheria and Sky River Casino leadership, participated in the event, which featured donated, on-course activations hosted by a variety of partners at each hole.

The event highlighted the collective impact that regional partnerships can have when aligned toward a shared mission of supporting families in need. The Elk Grove Food Bank Services, which supports approximately 9,000 individuals monthly, continues to face increased demand, particularly among elderly residents and low-income families. This increase mirrors a larger trend, with nearly 330,000 individuals across Sacramento County accessing food support each month through Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

"We've been connected to our regional food banks long before most people knew our name," said Chairman of Wilton Rancheria Jesus Tarango. "These relationships are personal to us. They're built on years of trust, showing up, and taking care of our community the way we always have. This work is about consistently being there for our neighbors, and we're glad to see so many people come together to carry that forward."

"Right now, more families than ever in our community are struggling to put food on the table, which makes partnerships like this critically important," said Blake Young, president/chief executive officer of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. "We're incredibly grateful to Wilton Rancheria, Sky River Casino and everyone who participated in the tournament for investing in our neighbors facing hunger. Their generosity will help provide at least 300,000 nutritious meals for children, families and seniors across Sacramento County."

"We are overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown by Wilton Rancheria and Sky River. With food costs and the need growing, especially among our senior population, a $100,000 donation from this tournament couldn't come at a better time," said Marie Jachino, Executive Director of Elk Grove Food Bank Services. "To everyone who swung a club, sponsored a hole or volunteered - heartfelt thanks for bringing passion and purpose to this event.  You are making a tangible impact on the lives of our struggling neighbors who need it the most."

Wilton Rancheria has maintained more than a decade-long relationship with regional food banks, supporting their efforts to uplift vulnerable populations in the area. The Wilton Rancheria Charity Golf Tournament exemplifies partnership, community engagement, and shared purpose; bringing together organizations and individuals dedicated to addressing food insecurity across the greater Sacramento region. 

Founded in 1974, Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS) began as a small church-based food closet and has grown into a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity across the Elk Grove region and South Sacramento County. Since becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2004, EGFBS has expanded to 16 programs supported by 15 staff members and hundreds of volunteers. Operating seven days a week, the organization provides essential services to low-income families, seniors, children and others in need throughout the community.

Founded in 1976, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is dedicated to nourishing individuals and families experiencing hunger. Over five decades, the organization has grown alongside the community's needs to become the largest hunger relief organization in Sacramento County and the dedicated food bank. Today, SFBFS supports a network of 112 partner agencies, working collaboratively to provide nutritious, meaningful food to neighbors across Sacramento County.

Wilton Rancheria is Sacramento County's only federally recognized Tribe, with more than 1,000 citizens, primarily of Miwok and Nisenan descent. Known as California's Capital Tribe, Wilton Rancheria has established itself as a leader in sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community partnership. The Tribe operates Sky River Casino, holds majority ownership of Sacramento Republic FC, and continues expanding its influence in regional economic development.

Since opening in August 2022, the casino has become a premier entertainment destination featuring 120,000 square feet of gaming, 2,500 slot machines, 81 table games, and 18 restaurants, bars, and lounge destinations, along with a 1,600-space five-story parking structure. The casino recently broke ground on a significant hotel resort expansion that is expected to generate regional economic impact through job creation, increased tourism and long-term investment in the local community. Planned additions include a 300-room luxury hotel, a new porte cochère with expanded valet service, a full-service day spa and salon, an outdoor pool, and approximately 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting, event, and entertainment space. To learn more about Sky River Casino and its continued growth at www.SkyRiver.com.