MGM Resorts to increase support in coronavirus fight

MGM Resorts International Thursday announced a broad range of donations and initiatives intended to help alleviate supply shortages and support local communities through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

By leveraging its supply chain, procurement capabilities, distribution systems, supplier network and other resources, MGM is delivering on a daily basis, urgent logistical support to help manage supply shortages of critical items.

"We are leveraging the resources of our company to make a difference by delivering much-needed support and product where it is most required. We are committed to providing relief to medical staff and others who are on the front line of this global battle against COVID-19 as well as the volunteer organizations on the ground serving local communities," said Bill Hornbuckle, Acting CEO and President of MGM Resorts International. "We are fully mobilized and doing all we can to support as many people as possible during this difficult time."

MGM provided logistical support helping the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force transport 250,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits and meet vital storage needs—the tests must remain frozen to be viable—for the State of Nevada. The company donated large freezer and refrigeration units from its Mandalay Bay property to the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada for COVID-19 rapid test storage. MGM partnered with Penske Trucks to meet the demand for freezer and refrigerated storage. These efforts will help UMC process a high volume of COVID-19 tests.

The Company is working closely with MGM Macau to source and ship much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers in Nevada, including 200,000 gloves and 261,000 gowns. By leveraging its global arm in China, MGM is procuring and transporting orders of medical grade gloves and gowns for the COVID-19 Task Force to distribute to healthcare workers who are in desperate need of this equipment.

"We have been working closely with the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force to identify current pressing needs. By leveraging our supply chain, we can help source critical items that are in high demand," said Stacey Taylor, Senior Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer, MGM Resorts International.

MGM is working closely with community partners throughout the country to understand unique regional demands to provide support where it is needed most. So far, the Company has donated more than 555,405 pounds of food, which equates to 462,837 meals. The Company has contributed much needed personal hygiene supplies, furniture and other items.

Starting April 14, chefs from the company's resorts will cook and donate 1,000 hot meals a day for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. The effort – which will last through April 30, 2020 meets an essential need for the facility, which just recently reopened its Emergency Night Shelter after a shelter client was confirmed as positive with COVID-19.

"We are closely monitoring COVID-19 pandemic developments through the lens of how we can help people on the ground during this crisis, at local, regional, national and global levels," said Jyoti Chopra, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Sustainability Officer for MGM Resorts International. "Our model is predicated on public-private-partnerships to deliver goods and services, on scale, where it matters most so that we can embrace humanity and protect our planet."

Community Donations Across the Nation
The company is working with local community partners to ensure products and services are delivered to meet local needs, primarily in underserved areas.

MGM Resorts International (Las Vegas, NV): Across Las Vegas, MGM Resorts has provided extensive on-the-ground support and in-kind donations to several local community organizations and agencies. So far, the resort group has donated 363,000 lbs., equivalent to 302,000 meals to community members in need. 

MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill, Md.): MGM National Harbor worked with food donor partner Nourish Now to contribute 55,000 pounds of food to community nonprofits such as Nourish Now. 

MGM Springfield (Springfield, Mass.): MGM Springfield has donated 12,000 pounds to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Open Pantry Community Services and Friends of the Homeless. 

MGM Grand Detroit (Detroit, Mich.): To provide critical help to the city, MGM Grand Detroit has donated approximately 20,000 pounds of produce and dairy products to Forgotten Harvest, a food distribution channel equal to 17,000 meals. 

Beau Rivage & (Biloxi, Miss.):  Beau Rivage has donated 25,000 pounds of food to multiple organizations including Extra Table, Loaves & Fishes, Lord is My Help and the Hancock County Food Pantry for individuals and families across the city. The effort will provide more than 20,000 meals to South Mississippi families who may have suddenly found themselves in need.  

Gold Strike: (Tunica, Miss.): Gold Strike has donated 7,800 pounds of food, which is the equivalent of 6,500 meals to Sacred Hearth Southern Mission.

Borgata: (Atlantic City, NJ):  The Borgata has donated more than 35,000 pounds or about 30,000 meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic County and to the Community Food Bank of NJ.

Empire City:(Yonkers, NY):  Cariats of Port Chester NY received approximately 25,000 pounds of food from Empire City, which equates to 20,000 meals.

MGM Northfield Park (Northfield, Ohio): Working with JACK Casino and JACK Thistledown, MGM Northfield Park has donated more than 7,000 pounds equal to 5,800 meals of food to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, offering support to the Northeast Ohio community.