Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts Hosts Successful Community Blood Drive Supported by Local Elected Officials
In partnership with the New York Blood Center, Nearly 40 Empire City Casino Employees,
Community Members & Guests Donated Blood that Will Serve Up to 114 Local Patients in Need
Yonkers, NY – Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (“Empire City”) recently partnered once again with the New York Blood Center (“NYBC”) to host a community blood drive at Empire City Casino. Also supporting the cause were state, county, and local elected officials from around the region including New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, New York State Assembly Member Nader Sayegh, Westchester County Legislature Minority James Nolan, Mount Vernon Councilmember Lisa A. Copeland, City of Yonkers Councilmember Shanae V. Williams and City of Yonkers Councilmember Michael Breen.
“I am deeply appreciative of every person that chose to give blood today, and any day. Blood drives save lives, three lives for each donation,” said New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer. “The nation is facing a critical blood shortage, and through the help of every person today, we can help alleviate the shortage. Thank you to Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and The New York Blood Center for your continued partnership during this annual blood drive.”
With New York’s healthcare system requiring nearly 2,000 donations daily to address the needs of the community, Empire City’s blood drive not only provided a convenient location for guests, employees, and members of the general public to make life-saving donations but also an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and vital need for regular blood donations. The blood drive resulted in nearly 40 donations that will make it to local area hospitals to treat up to 114 patients in need.
“At Empire City by MGM Resorts, we pride ourselves on supporting organizations that provide direct services towards residents in the local communities in which we operate, as well as where our employees reside,” said Ed Domingo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “We are thankful to the New York Blood Center, elected officials, and donors that stepped up to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”
MGM Resorts acquired Empire City Casino in January 2019 and volunteerism and philanthropy are deeply ingrained in the company culture and its workforce across the country. Empire City has continued to hold a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through numerous philanthropic initiatives, including continued support of the New York Blood Center.
“Thank you to Empire City for setting up a blood donation drive in Yonkers this month. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential to helping us,” said Westchester County Legislature Minority James Nolan. “This life-saving procedure starts with all of us doing our part. Be the reason for someone’s heartbeat.”
Nationally, over 4.5 million Americans require a blood transfusion annually, with an individual needing blood every two seconds. Despite this extensive need, only 10 percent of eligible blood donors in the United States actually donate.
For more information on Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and its philanthropic efforts, visit www.empirecitycasino.com.
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About Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts
Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast. Featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting; live entertainment including the best party, tribute, and Latin bands; New York’s hottest DJ’s, and more. A selection of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with fan-favorite fare at The Pub, and convenient delicious options at Lil’ Cocina and the Big Kitchen International Food Court. Visit Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Empire City Casino is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200.
About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is a nonprofit organization that is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world. NYBC, along with its operating divisions Community Blood Center of Kansas City, Missouri (CBC), Innovative Blood Resources (IBR), Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), and Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC), collect approximately 4,000 units of blood products each day and serve local communities of more than 75 million people in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT), Mid Atlantic area (PA, DE, MD, VA), Missouri and Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Southern New England. NYBC and its operating divisions also provide a wide array of transfusion-related medical services to over 500 hospitals nationally, including Comprehensive Cell Solutions, the National Center for Blood Group Genomics, the National Cord Blood Program, and the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, which — among other milestones — developed a practical screening method for hepatitis B as well as a safe, effective and affordable vaccine, and a patented solvent detergent plasma process innovating blood-purification technology worldwide.
Media Contacts:
Maria Cray, Maria@nicholaslence.com, (508) 245-6564
Josh Knoller, Josh@nicholaslence.com, (201) 294-9586