History
Two decades of giving back to Washington County
Born from the arrival of riverboat gaming, the Foundation was created to turn a share of that revenue into lasting good — funding the schools, first responders, parks, and nonprofits that keep our communities strong.
- 2004
The idea takes shape
The Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) was founded on July 12-13, 2004 with meetings held at the YMCA in Washington and Peoples Trust & Savings Bank in Riverside. Founding board members were Tim Putney - President, Patty Koller -Vice President, Karen Hobbs -Secretary, Mark Kendall -Treasurer, Ed Raber, Ted Drain, Mark Goodwin, Mark Schneider and Adam Richards.
- 2005
A foundation is formed
In May of 2005 the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission awarded a license to Washington County Riverboat Foundation and Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.
- 2006
First grants awarded
Riverside Casino opened the door for gaming on August 31, 2006. Washington County Riverboat Foundation gave out the first grants in the Fall of 2006. The very first round of community grants was over $4 million.
- 2011
Growing the impact
Cumulative giving crosses new milestones as more organizations discover the grant program each year.
- 2016
Broadening our reach
Grant programs expand to support education, public health, recreation, and infrastructure projects.
- 2020
Steady in hard times
The casino was shut down from March 17 through June 1. Spring grants were canceled. COVID relief grants were granted in the Fall. Through a challenging year, the Foundation continues funding the services families rely on most.
- Today
Millions invested locally
Year after year, gaming revenue has transformed and improved the lives of people and places of Washington County.