MGM Resorts International Donates $150,000 to Support Best Buddies Nevada’s Jobs Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
LAS VEGAS, January 19, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce a generous donation from MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) of $150,000 to support the Best Buddies Jobs program in Nevada.
The Best Buddies Jobs program represents one of Best Buddies’ three key mission pillars, integrated employment. This program secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves. It matches skilled and qualified individuals with IDD with businesses seeking hard-working, dedicated employees. Through the Jobs program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer.
“MGM Resorts International is honored to partner with Best Buddies and to serve as a leader in the movement to hire individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said Shelley Gitomer, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagementfor MGM Resorts International. “Our partnership with Best Buddies Nevada helps promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace and allows individuals like Paul Brooks to showcase their incredible talents and abilities, and one that we hope to continue for years to come.”
MGM Resorts International has demonstrated their commitment to having an inclusive and diverse workforce by hiring Best Buddies Jobs participant Paul Brooks at the Bellagio Resorts and Casino as a gym attendant. Paul works greeting guests, stocking hospitality supplies, and he even works on holidays. His efforts were recognized at the 2016 Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. During the conference, Brooks received the Jobs Program Participant of the Year Award.
“I was so honored to receive the Jobs Program Participant of the Year Award,” said Brooks. “I’m excited to be the first Jobs participant to be hired at the Bellagio Hotel (MGM Resorts International) and I look forward to continuing to grow in my position at the company.”
For more information about the Best Buddies Nevada Jobs Program, please contact Best Buddies Nevada State Director Geena Mattox at GeenaMattox@bestbuddies.org, or 702-822-2268.
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 900,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit: www.bestbuddies.org, Facebook.com/bestbuddies or Twitter.com/bestbuddies.
About MGM Resorts International:
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland on December 8, 2016, and is in the process of developing MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.MGM Resorts controls and holds a 76 percent economic interest in the operating partnership of MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE: MGP), a premier triple-net lease real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition, ownership and leasing of large-scale destination entertainment and leisure resorts. The Company also owns 56 percent of MGM China Holdings Limited (SEHK: 2282), which owns MGM MACAU and is developing MGM COTAI, and 50 percent of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA Resort & Casino. MGM Resorts is named among FORTUNE® Magazine's 2016 list of World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.
Media Contact:
Nicole Maddox
Best Buddies International
305-374-2233 ext. 343
NicoleMaddox@bestbuddies.or
