[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 110 (Friday, June 23, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE BONANZA CASINO'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. MARK E. AMODEI

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2023

  Mr. AMODEI. Mr. Speaker, on July 1, 2023, the Bonanza Casino in Reno 
will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In anticipation of this major 
milestone, I would like to highlight the contributions this family 
operated business brings to our community and recognize the leadership 
of one of its original owners and current partner, Russ Sheltra.
  The Bonanza Casino is one of Northern Nevada's most successful gaming 
properties, but its beginnings were quite humble.
  As a student at the University of Nevada, Russ Sheltra worked at the 
local Food King. After graduating with a degree in business, Russ 
bought the Food King with no formal contract--just an agreement etched 
out on the back of a napkin. Russ turned the Food King into his V&T 
Market.
  In 1973, he made the decision to transform the V&T Market into the 
Bonanza Casino when another supermarket was built across the street. 
The casino thrived, quickly becoming a favorite for locals. Today, the 
casino has nearly 400 slot machines and two successful restaurants.
  Russ's son, Ryan, now works alongside his father in the family 
business. Both Russ and Ryan believe in the importance of giving back 
to the community that has given them so much.
  For the past 22 years, the Bonanza Casino has provided multiple 
$1,500 college scholarships to graduating students at North Valleys 
High School.
  Additionally, the Bonanza Casino supports the mission of the Prostate 
Cancer Foundation by hosting the ``Cruisin' for the Cure'' car show, a 
fundraiser to raise money for prostate cancer research. To date, the 
Sheltra family and Bonanza Casino has donated over $165,000 to the 
Prostate Cancer Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Bonanza Casino celebrates its 50th year of 
operations, I want to thank Russ Sheltra for his lifetime of commitment 
to Northern Nevada, and this Nation. His ingenuity and dedication 
serves as an inspiration to us all.

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