Charles County Delegation Announces 2025 Riverboat on the Potomac Community Benefit Grant Award Presentation

On July 17, 2025 Delegate Edith Patterson, Chair Southern Maryland Delegation and Chair, Racing & Gaming Subcommittee welcomed fellow delegates, awardees, and guests to the first Riverboat on the Potomac (Sportsbook) Charles County Community Benefit Awards Program. “The Charles County Delegation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Riverboat on the Potomac Community Benefit Grant Awards. The generous donation from the Riverboat on the Potomac and collaboration with our delegation have made the granting of funds to non-profit groups in adherence to the commitment to building up communities in which they live, work, and/or play,” was stated in the announcement for this event.

Delegate Debra Davis, Chair of the Charles County Delegation, congratulated the award recipients and noted that these, “Organizations giving back to the community are already doing the work and are giving back to young people.” Senator Michael A. Jackson and Senator Arthur Ellis were unable to attend but sent their regards via representatives who acknowledged the importance of the work these non-profits are doing in the County. Commissioner Vice President Ralph E. Patterson, District 4 and Thomasina Coates, District 2 also remarked on the benefits of the Grant to Charles County non-profits and the importance of these organizations obtaining grants like this, to continue to do the important work necessary to support the thriving Charles County community.

Riverboat on the Potomac was established in 1992 and expanded its reach to sports wagering in 2022 with a promise to give back to the local community. Mr. Tony Jones, Managing Partner of the Riverboat on the Potomac sees this endeavor as “creating a path for others to follow,” as the only 100% minority owned Casino in Maryland alongside fellow managing partners Suri Gangadeep and Maruthi Prasad. Mr. Jones also highlighted that if you name the sport and team, no matter where they are in the world, they can play the game for patrons.

Eight non-profits were recognized and received monetary awards for their contributions to the community. These organizations provide support to the youth, to young women and girls, to minorities in areas of education, STEM, and technology, as well as Emergency Services and filling the gaps in resources throughout the community. The following provides the names of each organization, a brief description, and a link to their respective websites.

Afro-American Cultural Technologies & Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) was represented by Delegate Davis, who accepted the award on their behalf. ACT-SO was attending a National Competition but continues to provide mentorship and skills development to youth in the community and more information can be found on their website: naacp.org/our-work/youth-programs/act-so-achievement-program.

Charles County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol was represented by Mr. James Muhammed, who accepted the award and as the only Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol unit in Charles County, this award will continue to support programs and cadets who are first responders in weather related events for the state and county. For more information visit their website: charles.cap.gov.

Charles County NAACP #7016 was represented by Delegate Patterson, who accepted the award on their behalf as representatives were attending a National Competition. The NAACP provides leadership development, social activism, and educational advocacy to the community. For more information visit their website: charlescountynaacp.org.

Don’t Adjust Your C.R.O.W.N. was represented by Dr. Jehnae Linkins, who accepted this award on behalf of the organization, which encourages young black girls to know their worth. For more information visit their website: www.bonfire.com/dont-adjust-your-crown.

Jolly Dream Foundation was represented by Ms. Darlene Boston, who accepted this award and highlighted the organization’s ability to fill a gap in the community and coordinate with other non-profits to provide resources, when the area became a food desert after a major grocery store closed. For more information visit their website: www.gloriajolly.com.

Stella’s Girls, Inc. was represented by Ms. Kaprece James, who accepted this award on behalf of the international non-profit; which is housed in Charles County but also supports 7 countries on the African continent. Stella’s Girls has serviced multiple Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) and over 1000 youth in the community. For more information visit their website: www.stellasgirls.org.

Upward Thrive Academy, Inc. was represented by Ms. Alicia Hadley who accepted this award on behalf of the organization, which provides year round programs and services to the youth of Charles County through two major programs: Actin’ Up focusing on theater and the Journalism & Media Club in addition to their partnerships with CCPS and food assistance programs. For more information visit their website: www.upwardthriveinc.com.

W.A.C. Hughes 1053 Elks Lodge was represented by Mr. James Wells, who accepted this award on behalf of the organization, which supports the community by providing meeting space and event space for the community to rent. To learn more about space availability and the services provided by this organization visit their website: www.tristateassocelks.org.

If you would like to learn more, provide support, or volunteer for any of these organizations, please use the links to their individual websites above, to contact them directly for more information. Delegate Edith Patterson concluded the ceremony and noted that next year another round of deserving non-profits in Charles County will be recognized through the Riverboat on the Potomac Grant Awards program, so stay tuned.