MGM Resorts International Employees Raise $4.6 Million to Help Charities Serving Communities

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) have raised $4.6 million this year to support more than 1,000 community-based nonprofit organizations that meet the needs of the Company's host communities in Nevada, Michigan and Mississippi, as well as other  regional and national nonprofit organizations. Including this year's giving, employees have raised more than $44 million over the past decade to help charitable organizations better serve the community.

The MGM Resorts Foundation, the Company's employee-directed nonprofit entity, supports community charities by distributing individual donations designated by employees and by issuing grants to community nonprofits selected by its employee grants council.

"Community engagement is an integral part of our corporate social responsibility programs, which also includes environmental responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and promoting the good health of our employees and the communities in which we operate," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. 

This is the 10th year MGM Resorts employees have collectively supported charitable organizations under The MGM Resorts Foundation umbrella. Among the Company's 61,000 employees, an average of 46 percent have donated money to the community since 2002 through cash and payroll donations, and Foundation-hosted fundraising events.

"Once again, our employees impress us with their heartfelt giving and willingness to join local nonprofits in fashioning meaningful solutions to our communities' systemic issues," said Phyllis A. James, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. "We understand that by working together as a collective community, we can bring about positive change that not only improves lives today, but also preserves our communities for future generations."

MGM Resorts covers all of the administrative costs required to raise and disburse the funds so every employee dollar donated can go directly to the community.

"Nothing brings me greater joy than helping others and I know many of my coworkers feel the same way," said Liz Partida, assistant training manager at The Mirage and member of the Foundation's grants council. "There are a lot of great causes worthy of our support and with the economy the way it is, charitable organizations need donations now more than ever before. The Company makes it very easy for us to give and I appreciate that."

Examples of community services supported this year by the Foundation's grants include:

• Children and Youth: Community-based programs which focus on the overall development and well being of children and youth considered as at-risk.
• Education: Public education programs which enhance student learning from kindergarten through higher education.
• Hunger Relief: Food bank distribution programs which provide children, families and other individuals, access to food they otherwise would not have.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Recovery and counseling programs that help families, children and individuals affected by addictive behaviors, mental health problems, or other special life circumstances.

"All of us at anytime could find ourselves in need of help," Partida continued. "That's why it's so important that we come together and support each other, and the charities committed to serving our communities with compassion and goodwill."

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.  In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino, the Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in three other properties in Nevada and Illinois. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life rewards program delivers exclusive access, one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges, personalized rewards and partnership offers for both gaming and non-gaming members at the Company's renowned resorts nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International