The MGM Resorts Foundation has been awarded the SportsTravel Award for its efforts to help current and former employees and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic via the Foundation’s Employee Emergency Grant Fund.

The US casino operator gained the honour from SportsTravel Magazine, whose criteria for selection included demonstrating resolve amidst current challenges and reflecting what is best about the people and the organisations in the sports-event industry. 

Winners were individuals, sports organizations or events that went above and beyond to help their communities or sports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the beginning of the pandemic MGM’s Foundation has raised and dispersed more than $14m for the MGM Resorts Foundation Employee Emergency Grant Fund, including a $6m donation from MGM Resorts

The funds are intended to provide assistance in the form of emergency payments for qualified bills such as rent, utilities, medical bills or funeral expenses. Since the onset of the pandemic, the EEG has paid out over 9,000 bill payments on behalf of qualified employees and their immediate families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

In addition to helping employees through the Foundation, MGM Resorts International also donated food and personal protective equipment to local communities throughout the USA, including donating the equivalent of nearly 500,000 meals.

“We are proud to receive the SportsTravel Award for our community efforts during COVID-19,” said Jyoti Chopra, chief people, inclusion and dustainability officer for MGM Resorts International

“Our Employee Emergency Grant Fund has a legacy of helping those in need and due to the heavy impacts of COVID-19, we were able to mobilise and prioritise our focus quickly to provide financial and other emergency assistance to our people and our local communities.”

This follows MGM documenting the first shows to return to its stages following months of closure, with seven offerings to commence at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Excalibur Hotel and Casino from November 6.

This initial phase of entertainment allows for a maximum audience of 250 guests, physically distanced at six feet between parties and a minimum of 25 feet from on-stage performers. 

“After eight months, it’s time to bring entertainment back to the entertainment capital of the world,” noted George Kliavkoff, MGM Resorts’ president of entertainment and sports

“While there is still a long road in our city’s recovery, the reintroduction of these shows is an important first step. November 6 is going to feel very special as we welcome back team members and guests and bring the curtains up for that first time.”