Empire City Casino Receives Prestigious Community Service Award for Local Impact

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting local communities, earning the distinguished Community Service Award from United Way of Westchester and Putnam Valley. Held on June 5, the eighth annual Imagine Gala saw hundreds of enthusiastic supporters gather to celebrate those making significant contributions to the region. Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, had the honor of presenting this prestigious award to the casino.

Empire City Casino has long been a fixture in Westchester County, not just as a source of entertainment but as a vital partner to numerous community initiatives. Their dedication to service is evident through their continued efforts in numerous community projects, funding charitable organizations, and mobilizing their workforce for volunteer activities. This commitment has resulted in countless benefits for local residents and organizations, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.

This accolade comes as recognition of the varied and meaningful ways Empire City Casino has impacted its community. Over the years, the casino has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, such as organizing food drives, supporting educational programs, and promoting health and wellness initiatives. This wide-ranging support reflects its broader mission to not only entertain but also to enrich the lives of those around it.

The Imagine Gala, an event that grows more significant each year, provided the perfect backdrop for this acknowledgment. Attendees included an array of community leaders, business professionals, and devoted supporters of United Way’s initiatives. The gathering was an inspiring showcase of solidarity, emphasizing the essential role community service plays in fostering a thriving society.

Presenting the award, Marsha Gordon highlighted the importance of partnerships between local businesses and community organizations. She praised Empire City Casino’s proactive and unwavering dedication to addressing local needs, stating that their efforts set a high standard for corporate responsibility. According to Gordon, the casino exemplifies what can be achieved when businesses prioritize the welfare of their community.

Empire City Casino’s support extends beyond financial contributions; it involves a hands-on approach that sees employees actively participating in volunteer activities. This culture of giving back is deeply embedded in the organization’s ethos, creating a ripple effect that encourages other local businesses to follow suit. It’s a testament to their understanding that a thriving business environment is closely tied to the well-being of the community it serves.

The casino's efforts have reached various segments of the community, from supporting youth programs to aiding senior citizen initiatives. For instance, their collaboration with local schools has resulted in enhanced educational opportunities for students, while partnerships with health organizations have facilitated better access to essential services for the vulnerable populations. These initiatives have had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of many local residents.

Recognizing the multi-faceted role of community service, Empire City Casino has also concentrated on environmental sustainability. Initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, promote recycling, and support green projects have underscored their holistic approach to community impact. By taking active steps to protect the environment, they reinforce their commitment to creating a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The Community Service Award from United Way not only celebrates these achievements but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for businesses to engage in meaningful community service. In accepting the award, representatives from Empire City Casino expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting and enriching the region. They recognized that the journey towards bettering their community is ongoing and requires continuous effort and engagement.

Empire City Casino has set a remarkable example, illustrating that businesses can thrive while concurrently making considerable contributions to social well-being. As they celebrate this acknowledgment, they also look forward to further enhancing their community-driven initiatives, ensuring that their impact is both far-reaching and sustainable. This award is a reflection of their past efforts and a motivator for future endeavors, solidifying their role as a pillar of community support in Westchester County.

11 Comments

Jaya Savannah
June 8, 2024 AT 13:41

Wow. A casino getting an award for community service? 🤔 Guess the only thing more surprising than this is that I didn't see a single slot machine in the photo ops.
Hemanth Kumar
June 10, 2024 AT 03:07

The institutionalization of corporate philanthropy, while commendable in its outward manifestation, often obscures the structural inequities that necessitate such interventions in the first place. One must interrogate the moral economy underpinning the alignment of profit motive with social good.
Amar Yasser
June 11, 2024 AT 17:26

Honestly? I'm just glad someone's actually doing stuff instead of just talking about it. My local bar donates a few bucks during poker night, but this? This is next level. Keep it up, Empire City.
रमेश कुमार सिंह
June 11, 2024 AT 21:55

You know, when a place becomes more than just a venue for chance and glitter-when it becomes a heartbeat in the neighborhood's chest-that’s when magic happens. Empire City didn’t just write checks; they showed up, got their hands dirty, and listened. That’s the kind of legacy that outlives any jackpot.
Saurabh Shrivastav
June 13, 2024 AT 02:24

Oh, so now casinos are saints because they hand out turkeys at Thanksgiving? Let’s not forget the real cost: gambling addiction, debt spirals, and the quiet erosion of working-class dignity. This award is just PR with a ribbon.
kunal duggal
June 13, 2024 AT 21:07

The synergistic alignment of corporate ESG frameworks with localized community development initiatives represents a paradigmatic shift in stakeholder capitalism. The casino’s multi-modal engagement-spanning educational equity, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational wellness programming-exemplifies a scalable model for urban enterprise symbiosis.
Vikas Yadav
June 15, 2024 AT 12:41

I just want to say, I really appreciate the fact that they're involved in recycling programs and green initiatives. It's not just about giving money-it's about being responsible, thoughtful, and forward-thinking. That’s rare.
Steven Gill
June 16, 2024 AT 13:54

I used to work at a food bank in Yonkers. I saw the same vans from Empire City showing up every Thursday with crates of groceries and volunteers who actually smiled. Didn’t know who they were at first. Just knew they showed up when no one else did. Glad someone noticed.
Ankush Gawale
June 18, 2024 AT 05:01

I think it's nice that they're being recognized. Maybe it’ll encourage others to do the same. We all need a little more kindness in the world, even if it comes from a place that makes some people uncomfortable.
Krishna A
June 19, 2024 AT 21:44

So what? They give out food and then take it all back in gambling losses. That’s the real business model.
Sandhya Agrawal
June 21, 2024 AT 17:51

I wonder if the United Way knows how much of the casino’s profits come from people who can’t afford to lose. And if the award was given before or after the state approved the new slot machines. I’m not saying anything. I’m just saying...