Music City Center and Caesars Entertainment Give Back
May 23, 2022
While the trade show and meetings industry continues its steady path toward recovery, some event-related organizations remain committed to making sure that those less fortunate within the communities they operate aren’t left behind. Check out two event industry entities who recently went the extra mile to make a difference in their home cities and beyond.
Music City Center
Nashville’s Music City Center, in partnership with Sodexo Live! and Nestlé, recently donated 150 gallons of soup to The Nashville Food Project, a nonprofit organization that brings people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food to help alleviate hunger in the Nashville community.
Known as “The Big Soup,” the donation provided 1,500 servings of chicken noodle soup that helped support more than 20 community groups that partner with The Nashville Food Project in the greater Nashville area.
According to Music City Center officials, this is the second year the venue’s culinary team has collaborated with the nonprofit organization on this project. In September 2021, Music City Center and its partners donated another 150 gallons of soup to The Nashville Food Project.
“We are extremely fortunate to partner with such amazing organizations and give back to our community in this way,” said Charles Starks, president and CEO of Music City Center. “By combining our talents and resources, we’re able to better serve our neighbors in need, and we’re proud to do so.”
Freshly prepared and chilled in the Music City Center kitchen by the facility’s culinary team, the soup’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Nestlé providing seven cases of base ingredients and the venue providing the other ingredients, as well as bowls and spoons. The 30-gallon buckets used to transport the soup were then picked up by The Nashville Food Project.
“Every day, The Nashville Food Project works to ensure all of our neighbors have access to the food they want and need,” said Bianca Morton, chef and director of meals for The Nashville Food Project. “Thanks to Music City Center, Sodexo Live! and Nestlé, we can share good food with thousands across our city.”
Check out a video of “The Big Soup” preparation and donation in action at Music City Center here.
Caesars Foundation
Caesars Entertainment recently made $3.3 million in donations to dozens of national and local nonprofit organizations through the company’s corporate giving platform, the Caesars Foundation.
This year’s donation recipients include a first-ever partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America, Meals on Wheels (for the 20th consecutive year) and longtime partners including Clean the World Foundation; International Center for Responsible Gaming; National Park Trust, Public Education Foundation; Second Wind Dreams; and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
According to Caesars Entertainment officials, financial gifts from the Foundation focus on nonprofit organizations working to address key issues that align with the company’s core values, including responsible gaming, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“At Caesars Entertainment, we’re focused on giving back to the communities where our guests and team members live, work and play,” said Heather Rapp, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Caesars Entertainment. “These funds will provide critical support for communities and programs in need across the U.S.”
Funded by the resorts Caesars Entertainment owns or operates, the Caesars Foundation is dedicated to supporting the communities in which the company operates with an ongoing commitment to economic development while improving the quality of life of team members and their families, the community and society at large.
Have an inspiring give-back story to share? Reach out to lpsavas@tsnn.com.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment