LAS VEGAS, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today announced that Company employees in 2012 have pledged $4.7 million to nonprofit organizations and programs serving the communities in which it operates in Nevada, Michigan and Mississippi. Over the next year, more than 86 charities will benefit from grants--and hundreds more from cash and payroll donations--distributed by The MGM Resorts Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MGM Resorts employees.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The MGM Resorts Foundation has raised nearly $50 million and supported more than 2,000 charitable organizations since its inception in 2002. The Foundation supports community charities through the distribution of employee donations and the issuance of grants to a wide array of organizations selected by the Foundation's employee grants council. Foundation grants generally focus in the areas of children and youth, public education, health care, hunger relief and mental health and substance abuse.

In recognition of the Foundation's anniversary, Company executives and other employees today made surprise visits and unannounced check presentations to nonprofit agencies and programs that were awarded Foundation grants.

"We earnestly believe that the success of our Company is directly linked to the quality of the communities in which we operate, and there is no better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MGM Resorts Foundation, its works and the generous support of our employees, than to personally thank the nonprofit agencies who work diligently to improve our communities," said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International.  

Among the Company's 62,000 employees, more than 47 percent have donated money to the community since 2002 through cash and payroll donations, and Foundation-hosted fundraising events. MGM Resorts absorbs the administrative costs of the MGM Resorts Foundation allowing every employee dollar donated to go directly to the community-based organizations.

As part of the activities surrounding the announcement of this year's grant recipients, the Clark County Commission proclaimed July 17th, 2012 "MGM Resorts Foundation Day" to recognize the Foundation and MGM employees for their commitment to strengthening their communities.

For more information about The MGM Resorts Foundation and the Company's additional social responsibility initiatives, please visit: http://www.mgmresorts.com/files/company/AnnualCorporateSocialResponsibilityReport2011.pdf.

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International