FUNNER, CA – Harrah’s Resort Southern California hosted its eighth annual “All-In 4 Change” luncheon, one of the resort’s biggest charitable giveback initiatives, awarding $150,000 in grants to some of Southern California’s most deserving non-profit organizations. With a record-breaking count of 148,295 votes and 138 applications this year, the “All-In 4 Change” program was founded in 2015 to showcase the resort’s pride for and commitment to its community. To amplify the recognition of this year’s winners, the property hosted its very own Mayor of Funner, Jane Lynch, as the official emcee to announce the grant recipients.
“We are honored to have our very own Mayor back to Harrah’s Resort Southern California to celebrate our greatest charitable program of the year,” said Jill Barrett, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Resort Southern California. “Giving back is one of our strongest values here at the resort, it’s in our DNA to lift up those in our community that are in need and we could not be more grateful to have the ability to keep the ripple effect in motion – to give back to those who in turn, give back.”
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 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.
“On behalf of the Rincon Tribe, we are honored to partner with Harrah’s Resort Southern California to continue to support communities through the help of local non-profit organizations,” said Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Tribe. “If we can play a small role when it comes to positively impacting someone’s life, we know that we’re doing exactly what we need to do.”
In July, non-profits from San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties were invited to apply for the program. Applications were carefully 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 Aug. 30, community votes accounted for 50 percent of the overall score to win a grant, while the remaining 50 percent 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 Grant – Frosted Faces Foundation: $55,000
- Second Place Grant – Janet Goeske Foundation: $25,000
- Third Place Grant – North County Veterans Stand Down: $15,000
- Fourth Place Grant – Meals on Wheels of San Diego County: $10,000
- Fifth Place Grant – California Care Force: $5,000
- Ten Honorable Mention Grants at $4,000 each:
- Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County
- Happy Heart Haven
- Meals on Wheels of Riverside County
- United Through Reading
- Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego
- Lions, Tigers, and Bears
- Canine Companions for Independence
- EcoVivarium
- Rainbow Spaces
- Hire Heroes
This year’s first-place winner, Frosted Faces Foundation, is a San Diego-based 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that rescues, re-houses and saves senior animals whose lives are in jeopardy and develops solutions to ensure they have a family and proper veterinary care. The organization offers financial assistance to senior pet owners, and boards senior dogs at affordable rates while providing specialized care.
