The Catskill Resort Group owns the Concord Resort in Kiamesha Lake and Grossinger Resort in Liberty. The Catskill area in Sullivan County had been a haven for weekend sojourns and top-flight entertainers in years past. However, this region, as well as its former Borscht Belt resorts, has fallen on hard times. For the past several years, many local leaders have been trying to get legislation passed that would legalize casino gambling as a means of revitalizing the tourist trade here. In addition, several proposals are now on the drawing boards for Indian casinos in the Catskills.

However, Cappelli consistently states that his projects at the Concord and Grossingers will succeed on their own and will not require casinos as an attraction.

In announcing his grant recipients, Cappelli says, "We are committed to contributing to the economic resurgence of Sullivan County. This is a very exciting time for Sullivan County, which, we believe, is on the brink of a major economic revitalization. We are hopeful that these grants will help to maintain and improve the quality of life in Sullivan County for its residents and workforce."

The Foundation will be announcing 24 grant awards totaling $94,000 to charitable organizations in Westchester County in the near future.