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Resorts World New York City is marking its 15th anniversary with $670,000 in grants to Queens nonprofits, the company announced Oct. 29. The “Celebrate 15 for Queens” program arrives as the casino continues a $5.5 billion expansion.
Resorts World said 16 organizations received $10,000 grants, and 100 qualified applicants each received $5,000. The company’s gaming remains in person, as New York has not legalized online casinos.
Who received the Celebrate 15 grants
Resorts World selected 15 nonprofits to receive $10,000 each. A 16th organization, chosen by employees, received the same amount. The company’s announcement does not list the $5,000 recipients.
Recipients of the larger awards include:
- Flushing Town Hall
- Queens Library Foundation
- New York Dragon Boat Alliance
- Persaud Community Affairs Pantry
- Forest Hills Ambulance Corporation
- Ansob Center for Refugees
“The strength of this community comes from the organizations doing the work every day,” said Michelle Stoddart, senior vice president of community development and public affairs at Resorts World. In a RWNYC press release, she said “Celebrate 15 for Queens” is the company’s way of marking the anniversary “by investing directly in them.”
Grants follow July Day of Giving
The awards follow Resorts World’s Day of Giving, held in July to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The company raised its initial $250,000 pledge to $280,000, awarding grants to 28 New York nonprofits through a public drawing.
Both efforts are part of RW Gives, the company’s philanthropic program, which has operated since 2011 across Resorts World New York City, Resorts World Catskills and Resorts World Hudson Valley.
Resorts World said the program has donated more than $10 million to more than 300 local organizations. Funding supports community and economic development, health and wellness, the environment, civic and public affairs, and arts and culture.
Grants arrive amid NY casino expansion
The grants come as Resorts World builds out its Queens property. On Oct. 22, the casino opened its International Room, a roughly 13,700-square-foot high-limit space with 48 table games, three private gaming salons and around-the-clock dining. The addition brings the property to nearly 300 live table games and more than 4,000 slot machines, according to the company.
The room follows the April opening of an expanded gambling floor that was New York City’s first full casino with live table games.
The company broke ground on Phase Two of the $5.5 billion project on July 22, the Queens Gazette reported. Plans include a 400-room tower at the Hyatt Regency, 1,200 rooms under the Crockfords brand and a 7,000-seat arena. Resorts World has also promised more than 12 acres of public green space on the 72-acre site.
The company projects about 10,000 jobs from the full expansion, including roughly 5,000 union construction jobs.
