It’s been a rough year for just about everyone, and that includes the racetrack and casino business.

But Vernon Downs in Oneida County is still making a contribution to the Food Bank of Central New York, something it has done since 2009. It will also host a food distribution event at the track on March 27.

Vernon Downs, a “racino” that combines a harness racing track (and concert venue) with a slot-machine gaming floor and a hotel, presented a $50,000 check to the Food Bank on Feb. 26.

That’s despite what Vernon Downs owner Jeff Gural said has been a “multi-million dollar loss” for the business during the Covid-19 pandemic. Gural also owns the Tioga Downs casino just west of Binghamton, which has also lost money but has been rebounding a little lately. He made a donation to the Food Bank in that area, too.