MGM Resorts International Employees Pledge $6 Million to Help Nonprofit Organizations and Programs Serving Communities

Las Vegas, August 6, 2015 /3BL Media/ - MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) employees have pledged more than $6 million this year to The MGM Resorts Foundation to support 1,400 nonprofit organizations and programs serving the resort company’s host communities in Nevada, Michigan and Mississippi, as well as other regional and national nonprofit organizations.

“Every year our employees inspire us with their community spirit, and this year they have far exceeded our expectations,” said Phyllis A. James, Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer of MGM Resorts International. “We are extremely proud of the model of compassion and giving our employees represent, and of the improvements their generous donations will make in the quality of life for so many families and individuals in need.”      

The MGM Resorts Foundation was established in 2002 to provide employees with a vehicle for supporting nonprofit organizations in the places they call home. Since the Foundation’s inception, company employees have raised a total of more than $65 million and supported thousands of charitable organizations of their choice. MGM Resorts pays for all of the administrative costs to raise and disburse the Foundation’s funds through grants and donations so that every cent donated by an employee can go directly to community recipients.

This year, a record 61 percent of the company’s 62,000 employees pledged support to community nonprofits through cash and payroll donations. Funds have also been raised through Foundation-hosted fundraising events such as its annual employee sport tournaments. 

The 2015 campaign numbers reflect a 10.7 percent increase in the employee participation rate with 25 percent more dollars pledged than in 2014. Every year an employee Community Grants Council distributes donations not ear-marked for specific nonprofit organizations or programs into a grant fund with awards based on a competitive proposal process. This year, the Council awarded 91 grants.

“Our employees recognize that there is a lot of need in our communities and we are committed to helping," said Joe Maddox, Community Grants Council member. “By pooling our resources we contribute to making a positive impact on tens of thousands of people. There is no better feeling than knowing we can make such an incredible difference and touch so many lives.”

Examples of community services supported by the Foundation’s grants this year include:

• Children and Youth: Community-based programs which focus on the overall development and well-being of children and youth considered at-risk.
• Education: Public education programs which enhance student learning, from kindergarten through higher education.
•  Hunger Relief: Food bank distribution programs that provide children, families and other individuals access to food they otherwise would not have.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Recovery and counseling programs that help families, children and individuals affected by addictive behaviors, mental health problems, or other special life circumstances.

For more information about the MGM Resorts Foundation, please visit: http://www.mgmresortsfoundation.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rey Bouknight
MGM Resorts International 
702-692-6804
rbouknight@mgmresorts.com