GARY, IN – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has donated $500,000 to the Gary Community School Corporation to fund upgrades that will help jump start basic needs across the district.
Gary Community School Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes plans to use Hard Rock’s donation to make significant upgrades and equipment purchases that will impact teaching and learning across the district, beginning with gymnasium upgrades such as wall mats, floor resurfacing and the replacement of stadium bleachers, a library/media center and security equipment upgrades with staff training. Stokes is also hopeful the donation will fund AV equipment including a sound system and microphones, along with smartboards, bookcases and an indoor playground sensory wall with ergonomic lighting.
“When I first assumed the role of superintendent, I learned quite a bit about the corporate citizenship that Hard Rock of Northern Indiana consistently displays in this community,” said Stokes. “It certainly feels great to witness this generosity first-hand in support of our students. I am excited for the students, and we are grateful for this vote of confidence in our ability to provide the best educational experience for every child we serve.”
“We direct our philanthropic giving to organizations that are most in need in the surrounding areas,” said Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. “Our leadership and staff at Hard Rock are mindful of the important role that we all play in the growth of the community. At Hard Rock International, the motto has always been to ‘Love All, Serve All,’ and we are committed to do our part to make not only Gary’s future, but all of Northwest Indiana’s future, an outstanding success.”
