FUNNER, CA – Harrah’s Resort Southern California hosted its ninth annual “All-in 4 Change” luncheon, one of the resort’s biggest charitable giveback initiatives, and awarded $150,000 in grants to some of Southern California’s most deserving non-profit organizations. With over 120,000 votes counted and a record-breaking 162 applications this year, the All-In 4 Change program was founded in 2015 to showcase the resort’s pride for and commitment to its local community. To amplify the recognition of this year’s winners, the property hosted Mayor of Funner and comedic icon, Martin Short, as the official emcee to announce the grant recipients.
“We are honored to welcome our very own Mayor Martin back to Harrah’s Resort Southern California to celebrate our greatest charitable program of the year,” said Jill Barrett, SVP and GM of Harrah’s Resort Southern California. “Giving back is one of our strongest values here at the resort – it’s in our DNA to support those in our community who are in need and we could not be more grateful to support these 15 organizations who, in turn, give back to their communities.”
Since opening its doors in 2002, Harrah’s Resort Southern California has donated a portion of its profits to charitable causes each year. The property has donated more than $4.6 million dollars 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 local organizations,” said Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Tribe. “We are honored to play a role in positively impacting others’ lives, especially on a local level with our surrounding community.”
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. 3, 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 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 awarded to Interfaith Community Services: $55,000
- Second place grant awarded to Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego: $25,000
- Third place grant awarded to Happy Heart Haven: $15,000
- Fourth place grant awarded to Foundation for Senior Care: $10,000
- Fifth place grant awarded to Lions, Tigers, and Bears: $5,000
- Ten honorable mention grants at $4,000 each:
- Berry Good Food
- San Diego County Dental Foundation
- Wyland Foundation
- Alabaster Jar Project
- Support the Enlisted Project
- I Love a Clean San Diego County
- North County LGBTQ Resource Center
- Armed Services YMCA
- Working Dogs for Warriors
- Barrio Logan College Institute
This year’s first-place winner, Interfaith Community Services, is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers those in need to stabilize and improve their lives through comprehensive programs in partnership with diverse faith communities and hundreds of volunteers. Founded in 1979, Interfaith Community Services is dedicated to providing compassion for people in crisis, no matter the circumstances. The organization’s holistic approach towards care provides clients with services to access every area of support including housing, treatment and employment.
