ELK GROVE, Calif. (August 13, 2026) –– In the lead-up to its fourth anniversary on Aug. 15, Sky River Casino was recognized on July 23 by the Sacramento Business Journal with its Innovative Company Corporate Citizenship Award, honoring organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting local nonprofits through charitable giving, volunteerism, board leadership and community partnerships.
Guided by four core pillars—public safety and community development, community health and well-being, cultural enrichment, and workforce development with an emphasis on adult education—Sky River Casino focuses its community investments on addressing critical regional needs while creating long-term, sustainable impact.
“Community partnership is at the heart of everything we do. We at Sky River Casino are an extension of Wilton Rancheria and their long-term vision – supporting community, creating opportunity and honoring the Tribe’s enduring cultural values,” said Sky River Casino’s President and General Manager, Michael J. Facenda. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team members, our leadership team, and our nonprofit partners who work every day to strengthen the communities we all call home. Whether through financial support, volunteerism, operational resources, or simply listening and responding to community needs, we remain committed to helping build a stronger, more vibrant Sacramento region.”
As Sky River Casino approaches its fourth anniversary on August 15, the recognition highlights how the property’s growth has gone hand in hand with its commitment to community impact. Since opening in 2022, Sky River Casino has become one of Northern California’s premier entertainment destinations, generating new jobs, expanding tourism, and boosting economic opportunities throughout the Greater Sacramento region.
Most recently, the property surpassed $6 million in table game jackpot payouts awarded in 2026, after a Sacramento guest won $662,522 on the Ultimate Texas Hold’em™ Progressive Jackpot. Alongside the recent opening of its expanded gaming floor and 1,600-space parking garage, these milestones reflect the property’s continued momentum and its ongoing investment in the communities it serves.
In 2025, Sky River Casino contributed more than $2.4 million in community-focused partnerships and invested more than $200,000 in charitable donations, supporting organizations and initiatives throughout the Greater Sacramento region. Beneficiaries included Sacramento State Athletics, Visit Sacramento, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Elk Grove Food Bank Services, and numerous nonprofit organizations focused on health, adult education, economic opportunity, and community well-being.
Among the examples highlighted in the nomination was a collaborative effort to address food insecurity. During the 2025 holiday season, local food banks faced a heightened demand. To help stabilize access to food during this period, Sky River Casino and Wilton Rancheria provided more than $65,000 in direct financial assistance to Elk Grove Food Bank Services who serve thousands of people monthly. This assistance came from sponsorships, matched donations, and contributions raised through an annual team member food drive.
During this same period, Elk Grove–based restaurant Todo Un Poco faced a significant challenge after preparing 200 meals overnight to donate to the Rancho Cordova Food Bank: they had no way to transport such a large delivery. Once the need became known, the Sky River Warehouse Team stepped in, deploying a box truck to deliver all 200 meals safely, efficiently, and in a single trip—bringing timely support to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. This was a straightforward, shared effort: one request, a practical solution, and an immediate result. It reflects a workplace culture where suggestions are taken seriously, and teams are empowered to act.
Sky River also invests in long‑term community infrastructure. In partnership with Wilton Rancheria, Sky River Casino jointly provided over $1 million in supplemental funding for roadway improvements in the City of Elk Grove, enhancing safety and accessibility for residents, schools, and businesses. Across these efforts, a clear guiding focus shapes Sky River Casino’s approach to community engagement: listening to local needs, working in partnership, and responding where support can make the greatest impact. As Sky River Casino celebrates four years of serving the region, recognition from the Sacramento Business Journal underscores the commitment to community partnership that has been central to its growth since opening in 2022. With plans for a future hotel resort expansion, Sky River remains focused on creating new opportunities, strengthening local partnerships and supporting the long-term vitality of the Greater Sacramento region.
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