Stones Gambling Hall’s 10th anniversary celebration was well-attended. Joining in the fun, from left, are Citrus Heights Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber, former Citrus Heights City Councilmember Jeff Slowley, Stones Gambling Hall partner Kermit Schayltz, Stones Gambling Hall co-owner Ryan Stone, co-owner Masis Kevorkian and Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - A Who's Who of Citrus Heights area elected officials and community leaders shared their celebration wishes at Stones Gambling Hall’s 10-year anniversary event on July 18.

Even a Placer County supervisor was there to share in the good wishes and festivities at the Citrus Heights venue at 6510 Antelope Road.

 After reading a proclamation, Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost poses with Kermit Schayltz on the left, and Ryan Stone and Masis Kevorkian on the right. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

The officials and leaders said that the venue is not just a card room, it’s also a 24-hour restaurant (Sammys Restaurant and Bar), entertainment venue and a community center.

 The Sacramento Sheriff K9 Association accepts a $5,000 check from Stones Gambling Hall with Stones Gambling Hall co-owner Masis Kevorkian on the left. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

“Stones is more than a business or a gambling hall; the owners are rooted in community and over decades when called upon to help, they have always answered the call to support Citrus Heights,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost, a former Citrus Heights mayor, vice-mayor and councilmember.

 CA Partnership to End Domestic Violence Accepts a $5,000 award with Stones Gambling Hall co-owner Masis Kevorkian on left. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

In fact, the Stones Gambling Hall owners donated $5,000 each to five nonprofit organizations from the region during the anniversary celebration. Those organizations are National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Glass Slipper, CA Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Sacramento County Sheriff K-9 Association and Saint John's Program for Real Change.

 Ryan Stone, Stones Gambling Hall co-owner, makes a toast. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

Frost read a proclamation to Stones partners during the anniversary celebration, highlighting the many financial contributions they have made to community organizations.

 The Glass Slipper Organization accepts a $5,000 check from Stones Gambling Hall with co-owner Masis Kevorkian on the left. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

Those contributions include donations and resources to the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), Citrus Heights Police Activities League and the American Legion; and its “Big 24-Hour Giveback” in 2018 that raised $75,000 for Woman Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE).

 Saint John's Program for Real Change accepts a $5,000 check from Stones Gambling Hall with co-owner Ryan Stone on left. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

Stones Gambling Hall also gives Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to the Citrus Heights Police Department and supports area nonprofit organizations, including the Caldor Fire Relief, Stand Up Placer, Sacramento Children’s Home and the American Cancer Society, the proclamation stated.

“Stones has brought over 350 jobs to Citrus Heights and an upscale restaurant where we can feel good to be at,” Frost said. “I want to personally thank the three of you (Ryan Stone, Masis Kevorkian and Kermit Schayltz) for your love and support of Citrus Heights. I’m looking forward to many more years.”

 NAMI California accepts a $5,000 check from Stones Gambling Hall with co-owner Masis Kevorkian on the left. Photo courtesy of Patrick Padilla of Full Deck Photos

Ryan Stone, Stones Gambling Hall co-owner, reflected on their journey: "When we started this endeavor 10 years ago, we envisioned a business that would bring the Citrus Heights community together, provide well-paying jobs and establish a first-class entertainment facility in the area. We are honored to be a valued member of the community and eagerly anticipate a bright future ahead."

Stones guests are from throughout Northern California, including Sacramento, Yuba County, Butte County, West Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Nevada, according to staff.

Bonnie Gore, the Placer County supervisor mentioned above who attended the anniversary celebration, said she has been friends with Citrus Heights City Council members for years and appreciates Stones Gambling Hall contributions to the area.

Gore, who lives in Granite Bay, said she will often meet her children who now live in Sacramento halfway in Citrus Heights to relax and have dinner at Stones’ Sammy’s Restaurant.

Among the many accolades from the crowd last week was from former Citrus Heights City Councilman Jeff Slowey, to which the crowd quickly agreed with his sentiments.

“Once people come in here, they’re hooked,” Slowey said.

Said Stones Gambling Hall partner Kermit Schayltz, "Ten years in business is a milestone… I believe we have been able to compete in an extremely competitive environment and much of the credit belongs to the team members that make Stones a special company to work with. They provide our guests with the kind of customer service that brings them back time and again. All of this, the partnerships and team members are essential in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Each day brings its own unique issues for sure, but reflecting on this journey to date, I'm proud of how far we've come and grateful for the support of my partners, our customers, team members and community.”