FUNNER, CA – With Mayor of Funner, Martin Short, returning to the stage for a second year as emcee, Harrah’s Resort Southern California celebrated its 10th annual “All-In 4 Change” luncheon by giving back more than ever before. The resort awarded $250,000 in cash grants to deserving Southern California non-profits, marking a major $100,000 increase in its annual donation. Founded in 2015 to showcase its commitment to the community, the program saw unprecedented engagement this year with a record 208 applications and more than 132,631 votes from the public.
The record number of applicants underscores the program’s growing importance for non-profit organizations across the region. This year’s participation continues a clear upward trend, as the program has seen a consistent and significant increase in non-profit applications, growing from 37 in 2015 to a new high of 208 this year.
“It wouldn’t be our biggest giveback event of the year without the Mayor of Funner himself, and we are so excited to have Mayor Martin back for his second year as host,” said Jill Barrett, SVP and GM of Harrah’s Resort Southern California. “Giving back is at the heart of everything we do here at the resort. We are deeply grateful for the chance to support these fifteen organizations, who, in turn, give so much back to their own communities.”
Since opening its doors in 2002, Harrah’s Resort Southern California has remained dedicated to sharing its financial success with the local community by donating a portion of its profits to charitable causes each year. Harrah’s Resort Southern California has donated more than $5 million in cash and in-kind gifts to community and charitable organizations to date. In partnership with the Rincon Tribe, the All-In 4 Change luncheon donates the largest amount of grant distribution each and every year.
“The Rincon Tribe’s partnership with Harrah’s Resort Southern California is built on a shared dedication to our 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.”
In July, non-profits from San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties were invited to apply for the program. Applications were reviewed by the judging committee in early August and eligible applicants were informed that they made it to the next stage of the competition. Community members were encouraged to vote for their favorite non-profits amongst the group of finalists. When the polls closed on Sept. 2, community votes accounted for 50% of the overall score to win a grant, while the remaining 50% of the score was determined by a carefully selected committee at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. Winners were announced at the “All-In 4 Change” luncheon, with the grant allocations and awards as follows:
- First Place – Armed Services YMCA: $100,000
- Second Place – The Bee Brigade: $40,000
- Third Place – MilVet: $30,000
- Fourth Place – North County LGBTQ Resource Center: $20,000
- Fifth Place – Assistance League of North County: $10,000
- Ten Honorable Mention Grants at $5,000 each:
- Operation Hope San Diego County
- Community Housing Works
- San Diego Oasis
- Military Women’s Collective
- Foundation for Senior Care
- I Love a Clean San Diego County
- Uplift Institute
- Elderhelp of San Diego
- Helen Woodward Animal Center
- San Dieguito River Park
This year’s first-place winner, Armed Services YMCA, is a San Diego-based 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life. Their focus is to provide needed programs and services for single or married junior enlisted personnel and their family members. The Armed Services YMCA San Diego empowers military families, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive.
