Caesars Foundation Beneficiaries Announced, Over $3 Million Donated to Nonprofits
The Caesars Foundation has contributed greatly to some worthy causes, namely the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Arbor Day Foundation, and many more. A lot of the funds came from Caesars customers, who made a donation via the Caesars Makes Change program, which allowed gamblers to donate unused vouchers. Through this, the foundation has been able to donate more than $3 million to NGOs.
In a significant display of corporate charity, Caesars Entertainment announced just last Thursday that it has contributed a total of $3.1 million to both local and national NGOs through its charitable arm, the Caesars Foundation. This substantial donation was made possible largely through the innovative Caesars Makes Change program, which allows casino patrons to donate their gaming vouchers to charity.
The Caesars commitment to community
The Caesars Foundation, known for its long-standing support of various charitable causes, allocated these funds to several worthy organizations that have existed for decades. One of the major beneficiaries was the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an NGO dedicated to empowering young people. The Foundation contributed a total of $1 million to this cause, with $827,110 directed to the national organization and $172,890 distributed among local chapters in areas where the Caesars brand operates.
Anthony Carano, the COO and president of Caesars Entertainment, has this to say: "Through the generosity of our guests, we were able to not only provide our Foundation grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America this year, but we were also able to provide additional funds raised by our patrons, allowing Boys & Girls Clubs to continue to provide invaluable resources in communities across the country." He added that they are proud to offer the Caesars Makes Change program in their casinos all throughout the nation in order to provide the resources to communities where the Caesars brand runs and operates.
Environmental and social impact
In addition to supporting youth development, Caesars has forged a new relationship with the Arbor Day Foundation, an organization dedicated to planting trees and promoting environmental sustainability. This collaboration aligns with Caesars' broader commitment to environmental responsibility and showcases the diverse impact of the company's charitable efforts.
"We've always believed that we are better together, and the Caesars Makes Change program is a testament to that," Carano added. This sentiment reflects the company's ethos, which traces back to its roots with Eldorado Resorts, where Carano's grandfather was the founder. Caesars' philanthropic strategy not only includes support for human services but also environmental initiatives, ensuring a broad and balanced approach to corporate giving.
The generosity of Caesars Entertainment extended beyond the Arbor Day Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs. Other beneficiaries included The WASH Foundation (formerly known as Clean the World), the International Center for Responsible Gaming, Meals on Wheels America, National Park Trust, Public Education Foundation, Second Wind Dreams, IX's Foundation, and the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.
Each of these organizations received crucial funding to support their respective missions, ranging from environmental conservation to aiding vulnerable populations.
Small change, big difference
The Caesars Makes Change program has proven to be a significant contributor to the Foundation's charitable donations. The initiative, launched in 2021, enables casino guests to donate their gaming vouchers, often less than a dollar, to charity instead of cashing them out. This program addresses a common issue in casinos, where many players dispose of small-value vouchers rather than waiting in line to redeem them.
As a matter of fact, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported that players discarded approximately $24.4 million in vouchers during the fiscal year ending June 30. This figure highlights the potential impact of Caesars’ program, because by collecting and donating these otherwise discarded funds, Caesars has transformed small, seemingly insignificant amounts into substantial contributions to worthy causes.
Expanding philanthropic horizons
The Caesars Makes Change program started as a pilot initiative and has since been expanded across all US casinos operated by Caesars Entertainment. This expansion demonstrates the program's success and the company's commitment to maximizing its positive impact on society.
"Caesars' generosity has enhanced our ability to impact the lives of countless young people, fostering their growth and potential," said Andy Bischel, CEO and president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. He further added that Caesars' commitment to the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs enables them to continue to offer life-changing opportunities to their members, which sets them on a path to a greater future.
Through innovative programs like Caesars Makes Change and strategic partnerships with impactful organizations, Caesars Entertainment continues to demonstrate its dedication to corporate social responsibility, making meaningful contributions to communities across the nation.