University of Phoenix and MGM Resorts International Support American Red Cross through Service to the Armed Forces Giving Program

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Red Cross partners University of Phoenix^® and MGM Resorts International have become founding members of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Giving Program, which helps support members of the U.S. military, veterans and their families.

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The program marks its first anniversary this month, closely coinciding with Armed Forces Day on May 18, when America honors and recognizes the critical contributions of our nation's service members. Members of the SAF Giving Program are corporations and foundations that make an annual commitment to support Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces.   

"We are incredibly thankful for University of Phoenix and MGM Resorts' contributions to the SAF Giving Program," said Sherri Brown, senior vice president of Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. "It is this kind of generosity that makes it possible for the Red Cross to help thousands of service members, veterans and their families each year."

University of Phoenix has committed to support SAF programs and services, along with the entire Red Cross mission. One way the University is working with the Red Cross is through their "Start Strong" career events that took place at University of Phoenix campuses across the country to help veterans, active-duty service members and their families prepare for professional success after the military. These "Start Strong" events provide a way for the Red Cross and University of Phoenix to engage active-duty service members, their families and veterans—through teaching preparedness skills and offering a way for the military community to get involved in volunteer service.

MGM Resorts is supporting the "Boots to Business" program, which, in partnership with the Red Cross, provides pre-employment support services and management training to prepare veterans for managerial positions with MGM Resorts. "Boots to Business" also provides deployment support for current MGM employees who are called to duty, as well as ongoing support in the form of mentoring and networking. 

With help from these key partners, the Red Cross is connecting military families with needed resources in their communities every day. Thanks to University of Phoenix and MGM Resorts International, the Red Cross ensures that military members, veterans and their families get the support they need at every stage of military life.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.  

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross