During the recent Cortez Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gratitude Gala, Ute Mountain Casino Hotel Director of Security Willard Light was presented with a Mountain of Thanks for department’s efforts to create and implement effective safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Gratitude Gala assists in raising funds for the 100 Club of Montezuma County, which provides assistance to families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. Ute Mountain Casino Hotel sponsored the event, and Ute Mountain Tribal Chairman Manuel Heart presented the awards.

In addition to Ute team member Light, three other organizations were also recognized with the award: The Montezuma Sheriff’s Office, Ute Mountain Fire and Rescue, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs also were recognized with the award.

“We were delighted to serve as the title sponsor of this event ,which helps the deserving families of First Responders,” says Rick Scheer, General Manager of Ute Mountain Casino Hotel. “These people put their lives on the line everyday for their communities and we are so grateful for their dedication.

For more information about Ute Mountain Casino Hotel, call 1-800-258-8007 or visit utemountaincasino.com.