MGM Resorts Pledges $1M to Employee Emergency Fund, Donates 400K Meals

Posted on: March 23, 2020, 03:58h. 

Last updated on: March 23, 2020, 04:45h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

MGM Resorts has recently been a favorite target of critics because of the company’s “2020 Plan” that included more than 1,000 layoffs, as well as its ever-escalating resort fees. But during times of crisis, the casino operator has made a habit of assisting those in need.

MGM Resorts jobs coronavirus
MGM Resorts has suspended its US operations, but is working hard to assist in the coronavirus response. (Image: MGM Resorts)

With the COVID-19 pandemic, those in need include MGM’s own employees. Tens of thousands of casino workers in Las Vegas are being furloughed, as Nevada remains on lockdown.

Today, MGM announced it’s pledging $1 million to the MGM Resorts Emergency Relief Fund. The fund provides workers and their immediate families “with short-term relief in making payments or to meet obligations during unexpected hardships and emergencies.”

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,” said MGM Acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle.

He added, “We have done a number of things to help our colleagues, including significantly expanding eligibility coverage for the MGM Employee Emergency Grant Fund.”

The $1 million coronavirus pledge is available for all employees impacted by the disease. With roughly 77,000 employees, MGM Resorts is Nevada’s largest employer.

Feeding America

MGM Resorts has casinos in numerous states where non-essential businesses have been forced or asked to temporarily close. They include: Nevada, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York.

MGM has donated in each location to local food banks and pantries, receiving what otherwise would have been placed on buffets and served in casino restaurants. In all, MGM says its food donations will result in 400,000 meals being served to those in need in local communities.

In Las Vegas, MGM has given 301,000 pounds of food, the equivalent of 251,000 meals, to the Three Square Food Bank. Last November, MGM announced a company-wide program called Focused on What Matters. The initiative came with a goal of donating five million meals by 2025.

State by State Donations

Maryland: MGM National Harbor contributed 55,00 pounds of food to community nonprofits in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Massachusetts: MGM Springfield gave 12,000 pounds to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Open Pantry Community Services, and Friends of the Homeless.

Mississippi: Beau Rivage and Gold Strike collectively donated 35,000 pounds of food to charities in their respective areas.

Ohio: MGM Northfield Park sent more than 3,000 pounds of food to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Michigan: MGM Grand Detroit donated 15,000 pounds of produce and dairy to Forgotten Harvest, a food distribution channel. The casino also gave 3,000 pairs of sterile gloves to the City of Detroit.

New Jersey: The Borgata gave 35,000 pounds of food to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City and Community Food Bank of NJ.

New York: Empire City in Yonkers sent 25,000 pounds of food to Caritas of Port Chester.