(National Harbor, Md.) –  Today the team at MGM National Harbor, the premier luxury gaming resort in the DMV area, recognizes its four-year anniversary by focusing on the importance of community. 

“COVID-19 has impacted everyone, making it a tough year for all of us,” says Jorge Perez, president and chief operating officer for MGM National Harbor. “As we continue to try to navigate through the pandemic we have made special efforts to understand how we can support our community partners, local and small businesses and families in need, right here in Prince George’s County, Maryland and the DMV.”

In March, with Governor Hogan’s executive order to shut down businesses, our executive chefs immediately mobilized, ensuring all available fresh food from our property was safely and quickly donated to charitable organizations. Overall, the company donated more than 662,000 pounds of food—or 552,000 meals valued at more than $530,000– to the communities in which we operate.  MGM National Harbor worked with several food partners to contribute over 64,000 pounds of food to Prince George’s County residents and neighboring communities, a food distribution channel equal to 53,800 meals.?  

While food insecurity is a focus for MGM Resorts’ overall philanthropy program, the effect of COVID-19 increased the need for awareness and support. Other organizations like Prince George’s County School System received resources to help ease virtual learning for teachers and students and Shepherd’s Cove received hygiene kits for women who were housed in their shelter.

Additionally, in 2020, the casino has given over $400,000 to organizations who provide services through the region.  These partners include: Alice Ferguson Foundation; Arc of Prince George’s County; Community Advocates for Families and Youth; Prince George’s Community College Foundation; Doctors Community Hospital Foundation; Goodwill of Greater Washington and a $50,000 contribution to Capital Area Food Bank.

Employees of the resort take great pride in their active volunteerism and personal contributions to the community.  Since opening in 2016, the team has logged over 21,000 hours using their time to assist organizations servicing the homeless, veterans, youth, low-income families, and environmental causes. Additionally, in 2019, employees raised over $135,000 for the MGM Resorts Foundation where they serve as ambassadors for grant allocations. The funds raised are separate from other corporate giving and empowers employees to drive social change and make an impact in their communities. Several local organizations that benefit from the Foundation includes United States Veterans Initiative (USVETS); Food & Friends, Inc.; Higher Achievement Inc.; Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland

MGM National Harbor is the number one tax provider amongst all six gaming licensees and the largest tax provider for Prince George’s County.  This has allowed the resort to contribute more than $612 million dollars to the Maryland Education Trust Fund, the most of all the Maryland state casinos since 2017.  The taxes for Prince George’s County have allowed for the creation of the Local Development Council, which takes a portion of the tax proceeds in the amount of $750,000 and awards grants to non-profits located or providing services to residents within a 3 mile radius of the resort. Other taxes go to supporting local infrastructure and first responder organizations like the Prince George’s County Police Department, Fire and EMS Department, Prince George’s County Schools and transportation initiatives that benefit the county.