The Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk went all out to provide a holiday feast for Gilpin County seniors on December 6, 2023, at the Community Center. Ameristar has made it a local tradition to host the seniors’ holiday luncheon in conjunction with the Gilpin County Human Services department. Senior Services Coordinator Mary Ellen Makosky said that except for the pandemic years, the Ameristar has been hosting the holiday luncheon for the last 17 years.

The holiday luncheon, which is an offshoot of the regular senior lunches program, was attended by 75 seniors who enjoyed a buffet that included traditional holiday dishes of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, pumpkin pie, and bread pudding. Ameristar provided the ingredients and a contingent of 12 Ameristar employees to serve the meal. The dishes were cooked in the Ameristar kitchens and Makosky said that Ameristar Executive Chef Jhune Battung was passionate about creating an outstanding holiday dining experience for the Gilpin seniors. The Gilpin seniors were also able to take home leftovers. It was a special holiday gathering, and a good time was had by all thanks to the Ameristar.

Gilpin County Human Services provides free senior lunches three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) at the Gilpin Community Center. Makosky asked that anyone interested in attending a regular lunch should RSVP her two days ahead of time. Her direct phone number is 303-515-4292. Senior Services also provides door-to-door medical transportation and weekly grocery shopping trips.