The Nugget Casino Resort is donating $25,000 to the John Ascuaga Memorial Scholarship Fund at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, the business announced July 13. The fund was created in memory of Ascuaga, the casino pioneer who developed the Sparks Nugget from a small coffee shop into one of the largest casino resorts in Northern Nevada.
Ascuaga died June 28, 2021, at the age of 96.
“With John Ascuaga’s recent passing, we felt it would be a fitting tribute to follow his tradition of contributing to education in the community,” Anthony Marnell III, CEO of Marnell Gaming, owner of the Nugget, said in a statement. “We appreciate all he did for education in Northern Nevada and the Memorial Scholarship Fund is a great way to honor his legacy.”
