Empire City Casino hosted blood drive

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts recently partnered once again with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive at Empire City Casino. Also supporting the cause were state, county, and local elected officials from around the region including New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, New York State Assembly Member Nader Sayegh, Westchester County Legislature Minority James Nolan, Mount Vernon Councilmember Lisa A. Copeland, City of Yonkers Councilmember Shanae V. Williams, and City of Yonkers Councilmember Michael Breen.

“I am deeply appreciative of every person that chose to give blood today, and any day,” said New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer. “Blood drives save lives, three lives for each donation. The nation is facing a critical blood shortage, and through the help of every person today, we can help alleviate the shortage. Thank you to Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and The New York Blood Center for your continued partnership during this annual blood drive.”

With New York’s healthcare system requiring nearly 2,000 donations daily to address the needs of the community, Empire City’s blood drive not only provided a convenient location for guests, employees, and members of the general public to make life-saving donations but also an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and vital need for regular blood donations. The blood drive resulted in nearly 40 donations that will make it to local area hospitals to treat up to 114 patients in need.

“At Empire City by MGM Resorts, we pride ourselves on supporting organizations that provide direct services towards residents in the local communities in which we operate, as well as where our employees reside,” said Ed Domingo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “We are thankful to the New York Blood Center, elected officials, and donors that stepped up to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

MGM Resorts acquired Empire City Casino in January 2019 and volunteerism and philanthropy are deeply ingrained in the company culture and its workforce across the country. Empire City has continued to hold a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through numerous philanthropic initiatives, including continued support of the New York Blood Center.

“Thank you to Empire City for setting up a blood donation drive in Yonkers this month,” said Westchester County Legislature Minority James Nolan. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential to helping us. This life-saving procedure starts with all of us doing our part. Be the reason for someone’s heartbeat.”

Nationally, over 4.5 million Americans require a blood transfusion annually, with an individual needing blood every two seconds. Despite this extensive need, only 10 percent of eligible blood donors in the United States actually donate.