Seminole Tribe, Hard Rock announce $1M donation for hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts

The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International are committing $1,000,000 in monetary donations to support the relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funds will support the World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross to aid in immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding for communities devastated by catastrophic storms from Florida to the Carolinas.

In addition to the financial contribution, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has opened its doors as a state-designated shelter at its Event Center, providing safety and refuge for over 1,000 displaced individuals since the shelter was put in place. 

The shelter is equipped with essential services and resources, offering meals, medical care, and a secure environment for families affected by the hurricanes. The Seminole Hard Rock Tampa team has also provided 1,000 meals to displaced citizens in the City of Tampa.

A special check presentation will take place at an invite-only event hosted at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood later this month. The event will feature Hard Rock executives and guests of honor to formally present the $1 million donation to representatives from World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross.

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida has always been committed to helping our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “We’d like to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his partnership in uplifting our communities at this critical time. With the help of our dedicated teams across Florida, we are able to make a meaningful impact for those in need after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by chef José Andrés, has been on the ground since the hurricanes struck, providing tens of thousands of meals to families, first responders, and evacuees. WCK is first on the frontlines providing fresh meals to people in need during crises.

As for the Red Cross, its priority in Florida is to make sure people have a safe place to stay with food, water and other support. In the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee, dozens of Red Cross emergency response vehicles are on the roads providing meals, water and supplies to those living without electricity and struggling to clean up their homes.

“Opening our doors to displaced families in Tampa and providing financial support is just the beginning of our ongoing commitment to the recovery efforts,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming. “We are very grateful for the incredible work our partners at World Central Kitchen and American Red Cross do across the globe.”