Country Crossing’s charities a mystery

For nearly one month, Country Crossing in Dothan has operated a 1,700-machine electronic bingo gambling facility while boasting of large crowds and plans to begin work on phase two of the 400-acre project. Yet the number of charities receiving funding from the operations and the amount they will receive remain a mystery.

Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley initially said area charities would receive $5 million during the entertainment center’s first year of operation. Recently the amount was reported to be $2 million. According to the Dothan Eagle, Houston County commissioners established the Houston County Foundation “to accept charitable contributions” from Country Crossing’s electronic bingo gambling profits and determine how the money will be distributed.

Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver told the Dothan Eagle “all the net revenue” would be distributed to charities, but applications for the charities won’t be accepted until May with two disbursements each year.    (TAB)