Hard Rock, Seminole Tribe Donates $1M to Hurricane Relief Efforts

Posted on: October 15, 2024, 09:37h. 

Last updated on: October 15, 2024, 09:44h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Hard Rock International and its owner, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, have donated $1 million for Hurricane Milton and Helene relief efforts.

Hard Rock Seminole Tribe hurricane relief
Hurricane relief volunteers prepare hot meals for impacted people. Hard Rock and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are donating $1 million to Hurricane Helene and Milton’s response. (Image: Hard Rock International)

Hard Rock and Seminole leaders announced Monday a $1 million commitment to the World Central Kitchen and American Red Cross to aid in immediate and long-term recovery and rebuilding for communities impacted by the back-to-back hurricanes.

Helene was a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall on Florida’s Big Bend on September 26.

The violent storm caused an estimated $40 billion in damage and was responsible for over 250 deaths, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland United States since Katrina in 2005. Helene devastated the southeast from Florida to North Carolina to Tennessee, with inland mountainous regions unprecedently impacted.

Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, made landfall near Tampa. Milton caused more than $30 billion in damage from Mexico through the Southeastern US. The storm was blamed for at least 27 deaths.

Hard Rock in Hard Times 

Hard Rock operates 313 locations in 74 countries. As for gaming, the hospitality and entertainment conglomerate manages 16 casinos in the US and Dominican Republic.

Hard Rock’s largest gaming market is in its home state where it runs Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Brighton, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The tribe’s Tampa property was on high alert before Milton approached, as the Cat. 5 hurricane threatened widespread destruction.

Fortunately, Milton lost a bit of strength as it moved toward land near Tampa. While certain operations and events were put on hold, the resort casino is back up and running less than a week after Milton passed through. The Seminoles recognized not everyone was as fortunate.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has always been committed to helping our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Marcellus Osceola Jr., chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “We’d like to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his partnership in uplifting our communities at this critical time. With the help of our dedicated teams across Florida, we are able to make a meaningful impact for those in need after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

In addition to its financial contribution, Hard Rock Tampa has opened its Event Center as a state-designated shelter for over 1,000 displaced individuals. The center is equipped with essential needs like meals and medical care.

“Opening our doors to displaced families in Tampa and providing financial support is just the beginning of our ongoing commitment to the recovery efforts,” added Jim Allen, chair of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.

Program Funding

The $1 million gift will aid in the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen response from Florida to the Carolinas.

World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, provides meals for evacuees and first responders. The kitchen is fueled by Chef Corps members, local restaurants, and food truck partners.

The Red Cross’ efforts are focused on making sure those impacted by the hurricanes have a place to stay with clean water. There are nearly 2,000 Red Crossers on the recovery frontlines.

“We are very grateful for the incredible work our partners at World Central Kitchen and American Red Cross do across the globe,” Allen concluded.