Resident takes dream trip

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Neighbos | Submitted.On July 1 Margaret Voytko, resident of Boardman Shepherd of the Valley, traveled to the Cleveland's Horseshow Casino in a limousine, compliments of Fab Limousine.

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Neighbors | Sumitted.Resident of Shepherd of the Valley of Boardman Margaret Voytko went to Cleveland's Horseshow Casino on July 1. There she received royal treatment from the Casino with many souvenirs and complimentary lunch for her travels.

Boardman Shepherd of the Valley resident Margaret Voytko was an avid gambler with dreams of visiting Las Vegas. Unable to travel across the country, the staff of Shepherd had plans for her to win big on a trip to Cleveland’s Horseshow Casino on July 1.

Voytko is an 83-year-old resident and gambled for fun for years. She has visited most casinos within a day’s drive and loves playing penny and quarter slots.

“When I play, I like to think about the time I hit for $7,000 on a quarter machine. That was a good day,” Voytko said.

She has always dreamt of winning big in Las Vegas but due to her health issues, she is unable to travel to Nevada. She was excited when she heard that The Horseshoe Casino was opening in Cleveland and could not wait to visit and experience all that the casino had to offer. Unfortunately, around the time of the grand opening, Voytko fell ill and was moved into Shepherd of the Valley. She had been a resident ever since. To get her slot fix, she plays games on her iPad but misses the sights and sounds of a real casino.

Shepherd wanted to give Voytko the opportunity to experience The Horseshoe Casino and reached out to them. Special Projects Coordinator Katie Marks responded enthusiastically to give Voytko a special day.

“We are so glad Margaret has chosen to come to the Casino for a day of fun! We are excited to help show her a good time and would love to make this day as special as we can for her,” Marks said.

The Casino is provided Voytko with lunch and souvenirs. She also had the opportunity to participate in Super Senior Wednesday and try her luck at winning $55 in free slot play.

Voytko headed to the Casino is style compliments of Fab Limousine. She left for Cleveland on July 1 at 9 a.m. in a stretch limo. Upon arriving to the casino, Horseshoe staff greeted her with a bag of souvenirs. They provided lunch for her and made sure she got the royal treatment all day. While she did not hit the jackpot, Voytko did return home with $50 in winnings.

Shepherd of the Valley participates in Second Wind Dreams, an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams. In 2014, Second Wind Dreams recognized Shepherd of the Valley as one of the top five organizations participating in the program.