MGM Resort’s Empire City Casino unveiled its 2024 Foundation Grant recipients on Monday, bolstering philanthropic efforts in the Bronx and Westchester communities. This year’s grants and in-kind donations target critical areas: tackling food insecurity, enhancing public educational programs, and fostering workforce development. The support extends to charitable organisations across Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and the Bronx.
“Delivering meaningful social impact that strengthens our communities is at the heart of Empire City’s mission, both in New York and across MGM Resorts globally,” said Taryn Duffy, Vice President of Public Affairs at Empire City Casino. “As colleagues, neighbours, and friends, our commitment has only grown stronger. We look forward to continuing our work as stewards of community transformation in the Bronx and Westchester for generations to come.”
Boosting Public Education and Workforce Training
Empire City’s education initiatives stood out this year with targeted funding for impactful programmes. BronxWorks, for example, received support to deliver hands-on STEM education for kindergarten through fifth-grade students in the South Bronx. For young learners in underserved areas, this funding bridges an essential gap in science and technology learning.
Meanwhile, Vision Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired benefited from contributions aimed at providing advanced technology training and workforce certifications. These programmes equip visually impaired individuals with skills to thrive in the workplace.
Other supported educational initiatives included:
- Groundwork Hudson Valley: Sustainability education projects to teach students about environmental conservation.
- Junior Achievement of New York: Financial literacy programmes for South Bronx youth, empowering students with vital money management skills.
Yonkers Partners in Education and the YMCA of Yonkers were also named among this year’s recipients, each continuing to serve local families and children through academic and enrichment programmes.
Community Support Through In-Kind Donations
Beyond financial grants, Empire City Casino stepped up with significant in-kind contributions. Over 6,300 hygiene kits—packed with essentials like soap, shampoo, and lotion—were donated to organisations such as Lifting Up Westchester, BronxWorks, and the Guidance Center of Westchester.
Additionally, the casino distributed over 1,000 backpacks to students in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and the Bronx to ensure they started the school year fully equipped. Small gestures like these make an outsized impact, particularly in communities facing economic challenges.
Volunteers Step Up for Local Causes
Empire City employees didn’t just stop at financial support. The company’s workforce devoted time and energy to volunteering across a broad spectrum of causes. From environmental cleanups to food distribution, Empire City’s volunteer efforts spanned the region.
Among the initiatives:
- Participation in the Great Saw Mill River Cleanup with Groundwork Hudson Valley, where volunteers removed trash to restore local river ecosystems.
- Hosting a blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center.
- Distributing food to families through Catholic Charities, Feeding Westchester, and Part of the Solution.
- Assembling summer reading kits for students with United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
Additionally, employees contributed to the 9/11 Day of Service by joining Volunteer New York’s efforts to commemorate the day through meaningful community work.
Supporting Local Arts, Culture, and Non-Profits
In a nod to arts and culture, funding also extended to key organisations like the Hudson River Museum, ArtsWestchester, and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation. These groups help preserve the region’s cultural heritage while engaging the community through education and events.
Other noteworthy grant recipients include:
- Youth Community Outreach Program of Mount Vernon
- Catholic Charities Community Services Archdiocese of New York
- United Way of Westchester and Putnam
These organisations collectively address urgent needs in housing, food, and youth empowerment.
A Local Focus with Global Intentions
Empire City Casino’s parent company, MGM Resorts, has long emphasised corporate social responsibility. By combining financial grants, volunteer service, and in-kind donations, Empire City mirrors MGM’s broader mission of creating lasting social impact.
From educational access to environmental sustainability, the latest wave of grants reflects an ongoing commitment to community well-being. It’s not just about writing cheques; it’s about showing up—whether through STEM education, volunteer hours, or delivering backpacks to kids.
For Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and the Bronx, MGM’s Empire City Casino has again shown what’s possible when businesses prioritise their communities. While the casino brings entertainment to New Yorkers, its investments behind the scenes are driving meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most.
