While most of the news recently focuses on the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, one casino company is attempting to give back despite the nationwide closures of casinos.
MGM Resorts International (MGM Resorts) made the announcement today about its efforts to help employees and local communities.
In the hope that the company can help tide the effects of the pandemic, the new acting CEO and President of MGM Resorts International Bill Hornbuckle stated:
“As we confront extraordinary events and an unprecedented global pandemic crisis, we know that this is an extremely challenging and uncertain time for many of our employees, their families, friends and neighbors and we are committed to help those in need.”
MGM Resorts emergency relief fund
In the first place, MGM Resorts set up an emergency relief fund for its employees and their immediate families. In light of these distressing times, the company recognizes that employees impacted by casino closures need help with payments or other financial obligations.
Most importantly, the $1 million pledge includes full-time, on-call, or even those employees that face layoffs, separation, or furlough.
MGM Resorts donates food back to local communities
Rather than wasting food from MGM Resorts casino closures, the company is making a valiant effort to donate food to local communities. With this in mind, MGM Resorts donated over 480,000 pounds of food or roughly 400,000 meals. If there is a local casino, MGM Resorts partners with local food banks to distribute food from resorts to those in need.
For example, at MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, the property donated 301,000 pounds of food or 251,000 meals to Vegas locals in need.
MGM property Gold Strike in Tunica, MS, donated 10,000 pounds of food or about 8,000 meals to the local food pantry Sacred Hearth of Southern Mission.
Expanding the scope of positively impacting local communities
This is not MGM Resorts’ first community outreach program. In November, the company launched Focused on What Matters. The company’s vision is to focus on positively impacting local communities.
In detail, the company aims to donate 5 million meals by 2025. What’s more? MGM Resorts intends to volunteer over 1 million hours in local communities.
It would appear that the company is well on its way to keeping its commitment with this announcement.
In addition, outgoing MGM Resorts International CEO and Chairman Jim Murren stepped down from his position for an unpaid and volunteer position to stem the tide of the pandemic in Nevada. The newly formed COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force in the Silver State is now led by Murren.
Finally, Jyoti Chopra, senior vice president, chief diversity and sustainability officer for MGM Resorts International, shared more of the company’s vision in these difficult times.
“In battling the current global crisis, at MGM Resorts we intend to embrace humanity, exemplify inclusion and exhibit compassion. Our commitment to our employees and the communities in which we operate, conduct business and serve our customers, remains steadfast.”
