FUNNER, CA – Harrah’s Resort Southern California awarded $250,000 in cash grants to 15 nonprofits during its 11th annual “All-in 4 Change” awards ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 15. Launched as a local community initiative in 2015, the program provides funding to organizations throughout San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties.
San Diego native Mario Lopez emceed the ceremony alongside leadership from Harrah’s Resort Southern California and the Rincon Tribe. This year’s recipients represent organizations working in education, environmental sustainability, health and human services, military and veterans’ support, and senior care.
“Hands down, the All-in 4 Chance awards ceremony is the single best day on property each year,” said Jill Barrett, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Resort Southern California. “Giving back is at the heart of everything we do, and we are deeply grateful for the chance to support these 15 non-profits who give so much back to their communities.”
Since opening in 2002, Harrah’s Resort Southern California has donated more than $5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to charitable causes. In partnership with the Rincon Tribe, the All-In 4 Change program represents the resort’s largest annual grant distribution and has provided nearly $1.5 million to regional organizations to date.
“The Rincon Tribe’s partnership with Harrah’s Resort Southern California is built on a shared passion and dedication to our surrounding local community,” said Rincon Tribal Chairman Steve Stallings. “We are proud that this collaboration allows us to support so many vital organizations and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors.”
Nonprofits from San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties were invited to apply for the program in May. Following a review by the judging committee in June, eligible applicants advanced to public voting. Community votes accounted for 50 percent of the final score, with the remaining 50 percent determined by a committee from Harrah’s Resort Southern California.
The Janet Goeske Foundation received the first-place grant of $100,000, followed by Gay for Good with $40,000, Frosted Faces Foundation with $30,000, Favors for Neighbors with $20,000 and the Alzheimer’s Association with $10,000. Ten organizations received honorable mention grants of $5,000 each: Bliss Care Foundation, Berry Good Food, Judith A Bassett Canid Education & Conservation, Young and Prosperous Foundation, Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, The Firehouse Family, Interfaith Community Services, Strong Hearted Women’s Native Coalition and St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
First-place recipient Janet Goeske Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving adults age 50 and older through health and wellness programs. The organization reports more than 150,000 patron visits annually and provides physical, mental, social and emotional support programs focused on independent aging.