May 2013 - MGM Grand Detroit

Touching Communities. Touching Lives.
A PUBLICATION OF MGM GRAND DETROIT May 2013
Team member driven MGM
Resorts Foundation makes
‘Grand’ impact in Detroit
By Scott Talley
Special to the Michigan Chronicle
The music was hot and popping, the aroma coming from
the scrumptious dishes was warm and enticing, and for one
special Monday leading service organizations found a home
away from home at MGM Grand Detroit’s Grand Ball Room.
The occasion was the MGM Resorts Foundation Kickoff Event,
which allowed MGM Grand Detroit team members to connect
with representatives from more than 20 organizations
that provide vital services to our community.
However, this was not a mere meet-and-greet. The participating
organizations have received support from MGM
Grand Detroit team members in a variety of forms through
the MGM Resorts Foundation. As a result, thousands of lives
are being touched in a positive way across metropolitan
Detroit.
continued on pg. 3
Inside This Issue
• MGM Resorts Foundation is driven to touch more lives
• Playworks does good work in Detroit
• Joy-Southfield Farmers Market prepares for 2013 season
• And much more!

Playworks creates a new level of security for local
children with help from MGM Grand Detroit
By Scott Talley
Special to the Michigan Chronicle
If Jeannine Grant has her way every child in our
community will have an opportunity to play everyday,
and as executive director of Playworks
Detroit she is making her dream a reality.
Headquartered in Oakland, California, Playworks
is a national nonprofit organization
that supports learning and physical health by
providing safe and inclusive play to low-income
students in urban schools.
Since coming to Detroit in 2010, Playworks has impacted
more than 20,000 children with opportunities for physical
activity and play. Through Playworks’ school-based programming,
students not only increase their physical activity
but also return to the classroom focused and ready to learn.
“When Playworks came to Detroit, we just wanted to help
out in any way we could,” says Grant, whose organization is
currently serving 12 schools in Detroit and the surrounding
community. “We wanted to improve the environment in
schools so kids would feel safer—not safer in the sense of
having more police officers and metal detectors—but safer
physically, emotionally and behaviorally.”
“When this is done, we actually give teachers back more
academic time in the classroom.”
Playworks core values are respect, inclusion, healthy play
and healthy community. One of the ways Playworks instills
these core values is through a Playworks coach, who is a
responsible, educated, experienced adult assigned full time
at each participating school. The Playworks coach promotes
recess and physical fitness, conflict resolution, and perhaps
most important, the coach is a friend to all students.
“The coach is the one person in the entire school who
knows all of the students,” says Grant, who speaks openly
about her own challenges as a youngster. “I wasn’t that
student who always got an A-plus on a paper,
it was often hard for me in elementary school
and that’s why it’s important that we provide
encouragement so kids feel safe enough to try.
“We recently had a girl at one of our schools
who was shooting baskets and by the time
she finally made one on her third try we were
high-fiving her and screaming and going crazy.
Sometimes a ‘good try’ is all that a child needs
to become a future leader.”
Grant’s words are backed up by research. According to a
study conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, Playworks
has a significant impact on reducing bullying, creating
a safer and more positive learning environment, improving
transition time from recess to learning and helping students
focus in class.
To continue its important work of creating welcoming
school environments that are free from intimidation,
interruptions and violence, Playworks relies on a diversified
funding model. Schools pay for about 31 percent of the
cost of the program, which contributes to a sustainable
funding base for growth. The remainder of the funding
comes from generous individuals and a combination of
government, corporate and foundation partners, including
the MGM Resorts Foundation.
“We love MGM Grand Detroit,” Grant proclaims. “When we
came to Detroit we didn’t have a big brand name and that’s
always a difficult thing for an organization that is trying to
get established in a community. However, the leadership
and the employees at MGM Grand Detroit really got it and
took a chance by being one of our first corporate partners.
That was a big deal for us; we appreciated it and felt valued
and then other organizations began to take notice.
“MGM Grand Detroit also has a diverse employee base,
which is similar to the children we serve and I think that
makes the partnership a really good fit.”
To learn more about what Playworks is doing in Detroit,
please visit www.playworks.org/detroit.

MGM Resorts Foundation (continued from cover)
“MGM Grand Detroit has some of the most giving employees
in the entire country,” said MGM Resorts International
Vice President Jim Dumond, the co-chair of the MGM
Resorts Foundation’s fundraising campaign. “Each team
member is able to give back to the community in the
manner that means the most to that person.”
Locally, through the MGM Resorts Foundation, MGM Grand
Detroit team members’ donations can be directed to a
specified nonprofit agency or charity, a general community-grant
fund or a local United Way chapter. In turn, the
Foundation assures that 100 percent of all donations support
charities and organizations that address critical needs
in our region.
Throughout the year MGM Grand Detroit volunteers also
can be found volunteering their time at fundraisers that
provide additional support for the MGM Resorts Foundation
and the many causes it supports. From golf outings, to
flower and bake sales, and virtually anything in between,
MGM Grand Detroit team members are more than willing to
give of their time when it benefits their community.
“I’m very proud to work for an organization that is so
committed to giving back to the community,” said Michelle
McKenzie, Team Events and Communications manager at
MGM Grand Detroit. “It’s not a once-a-year type of thing;
we do it all year-round.”
The Grand Ballroom was filled with examples of
the meaningful partnerships that have been established
by the MGM Resorts Foundation and MGM
Grand Detroit team members with organizations
that improve the quality of life across our region. In
attendance were the American Diabetes Association,
Arab American and Chaldean Council, Barbara Ann
Karmanos Cancer Institute, Covenant House Michigan,
Holy Cross Children’s Services, Mariners Inn, Michigan
Roundtable For Diversity And Inclusion, Michigan
Veterans Foundation and Starfish Family Services just
to name a few.
“I think it was just a great thing to do,” said Jamahl
Scott, Volunteers Program manager for the Michigan
Humane Society, another favorite organization
among MGM Grand Detroit team members.
“This event gave us an opportunity to come together
and showcase our services not only to MGM team
members, but also to the other organizations in attendance.
I came away with many business cards and
I have already spoken to some of the other organizations
about how we can collaborate and fill some of
the gaps in our services.
Scott also had high praise for the mouth-watering
cuisine prepared by MGM Grand Detroit’s culinary
team, and the music, which was provided by IN-Accord,
another area nonprofit supported by the Resorts
Foundation.
“It was just a whole lot of fun and I’m glad I was a part
of it,” said an appreciative Scott. To learn more about
what MGM Grand Detroit and its team members are
doing in the community, please visit MGM Grand
Detroit on Facebook at http://facebook.com/MG-
MGrandDetroitTCTL and Twitter @MGM_TouchNLives.
“
-
MGM Grand Detroit has some of the most
giving employees in the entire country”
MGM Resorts International Vice President Jim Dumond

“Welcome Inside the World of
Getting to Know: LaTonya Ballard
A self-proclaimed people person, LaTonya Ballard has found the ideal workplace at MGM Grand Detroit.
“I most enjoy working with the public,” says Ballard, a Cage assistant shift manager. “I love working with our
guests and also love the variety of guests that come into our casino.”
A native of Detroit, Ballard also values how MGM Grand Detroit works with her community.
“The company’s community outreach is outstanding,” says Ballard, who takes pride in activities that hit home
for her, including coat and school supply giveaways; and outreach to homeless shelters and veterans.
Ballard says her personal experience is an example of how MGM Grand Detroit has touched people in her
hometown in a positive way.
“I have been able to purchase two homes during my time at MGM Grand Detroit,” says Ballard, who joined the
MGM family on June 14, 1999. “I appreciate how MGM Grand Detroit allows you to grow within the organization.
The company is excellent with providing training and along with that I love all the contributions to the
community.”
Getting to know: Souhil Chaghouri
During a three-year period Souhil Chaghouri received seven promotions, but that does not even begin to describe
the great American story he has been a part of at MGM Grand Detroit.
“My name is Souhil but my nickname is MGM because I love this company,” declares the native of the Syrian
capital Damascus. “I like the system, the people I work with and the company name, it makes me feel proud
about myself.”
Souhil joined MGM Grand Detroit in 2002 and by 2005 he would be joined by his brothers, Nabil and George,
who were encouraged by the opportunities their brother described.
“The company has given us a lot so we give a lot,” says Souhil, a sous chef who has helped the Breeze dining
court become the number one casual dining restaurant within the company.
For their commitment to excellence, Souhil and George, who works at the Palette Dining Studio, are previous
MGM Grand Detroit “Shining Stars” nominees. Souhil says it is only a matter of time before Nabil receives the
prestigious honor as well for his own work as a waiter at the Palette Dining Studio. In the meantime, Souhil,
who recently completed the company’s Management Academy, plans to continue to set a high standard for
performance excellence.
“It’s a wonderful place to work so we give 100 percent all the time.”

MGM Grand Detroit”
Unity through diversity:
MGM Grand Detroit was proud to be a sponsor of the 14th annual Affirmations fundraising
event, Spring Bash, at the Detroit Institute of Arts. A nonprofit organization,
Affirmations serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender community and is
celebrating its 23rd year of service in the metropolitan Detroit area.
For more information, please visit www.goaffirmations.org.
Milestone event dedicated to saving lives:
MGM Grand Detroit was the place to be for the 10th anniversary Detroit Go Red For
Women Luncheon presented by the American Heart Association. The event raised
funds to combat heart disease among women. According to the American Heart
Association, heart disease is still the number one killer of women, taking the life of one
in three women annually. To learn more about the American Heart Association, please
visit www.heart.org
MGM Grand Detroit’s Hotel and Spa Set
Standard for Excellence in Michigan:
MGM Grand Detroit has received the prestigious Forbes Four Star Award for its hotel
and IMMERSE Spa. For the second consecutive year, MGM Grand Detroit is the only
Michigan establishment to make the list. Forbes Travel Guide recognized MGM Grand
Detroit for outstanding service and commitment to the traveling consumer.

Joy-Southfield’s Farmers Market brings
healthy food, hope to area residents
By Scott Talley
Special to the Michigan Chronicle
The announcement may not be shouted across
town, but June 4 promises to be a meaningful
day for the Joy-Southfield community on Detroit’s
west side. This date will mark the opening of the
Sowing Seeds, Growing Futures Farmers Market
for the 2013 season.
Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation
founded the Farmers Market in 2010 to
address the food access problem in the neighboring
community.
“Our goal is to bring more healthy food to our
community,” says Trisha Hopkins, director of Youth
and Family Development for the Joy-Southfield
Community Development Corporation.
In a neighborhood where a third of the adults do
not have automobiles and a fully stocked grocery
market is not in walking distance, Hopkins says far
too often gas stations, dollar stores and convenience
marts are feeding families out of necessity.
“I hate the term ‘food desert, says Hopkins, a
native Detroiter. “What we have is a plethora
of bad food outlets, but Detroiters are resilient
people. Our people know how to work together
with family members and friends to get what they
need, but it’s not easy.”
People who make the trek to the Farmers Market
this year will find a variety of fruits, vegetables,
poultry, red meat, dairy products and other goods.
In addition to increasing access to healthy food,
the Market helps the local economy since patrons
can purchase fresh produce from local farmers.
At this year’s opening, Farmers Market visitors will
find more signage and spruced up tents, and perhaps
even music and hustle lines, with the goal of
serving a record number of people this summer.
“With each year, our neighbors definitely seem
to be embracing the market more,” says Hopkins,
who is hoping for 500 to 1,000 more visitors by
the end of the summer. “We are finding that our
community really wants fresh produce, they want
more recipes, and they are asking more healthy
questions like ‘Why should I eat kale?’ “
Hopkins also has witnessed a bond forming
between the community and the participating
vendors.
“The neighbors show up and they’re looking for
their favorite vendor,” says Hopkins, who expects
more vendors this year. “There may be someone
who is really counting on Uncle Calvin to have that
sweet potato pie because they’re going to have
company. Those are the type of relationships you
like to see.”
Another activity that market visitors can look
forward to is recipe demonstrations, which have
included past participation from culinary team
members from MGM Grand Detroit, a supporter
of the Farmers Market through the MGM Resorts
Foundation.
“My mouth still waters when I think about the
adobo chicken that MGM Grand Detroit chefs
served last year,” says David Law, executive director
of the Joy-Southfield Community Development
Corporation.
Law also appreciates what MGM Grand Detroit’s
support has meant to neighborhood youth.
“With help from the MGM Resorts Foundation
we are teaching youth how to grow and prepare
healthy food,” said Law, of the Famers Market, located
at 18950 Joy Road. “The youth also are able
to sell their produce at the market, which helps to
curb childhood obesity.”
For Hopkins, the upcoming Farmers Market
season conjures memories from her own
childhood.
“When I was a kid growing up in Detroit
we knew all of our neighbors and we were
free to run and goof around anytime we
liked, but society has changed,” she says.
“I would love for those times to come back
but until that happens I hope the Farmers Market
can at least be one place where people in the
neighborhood can go and feel comfortable. It just
makes for a healthier and stronger community.”
To learn more about the Sowing Seeds, Growing
Futures Farmers Market, including days and hours
of operation this summer, please visit www.joysouthfield.org.

A Winning Combination:
Serving guests and the community while preserving the
environment is the MGM Grand Detroit way
Ensuring that MGM Grand Detroit remains a worldclass
entertainment destination while maintaining
the highest commitment to sustaining the environment
is no easy task. However, it is a task that Jeff
Jackson savors as director of Engineering for MGM
Grand Detroit.
The efforts of Jackson and many equally committed
MGM Grand Detroit team members have helped the
property obtain a 4 Keys rating from the Green Key
Eco-Rating Program.
The 4 Keys rating recognizes MGM Grand Detroit as
an industry leader in protecting the environment
through wide-ranging policies and practices. To
receive the honor MGM Grand Detroit also had to
demonstrate that it has mature, measurable programs
in place that involve management, team members,
guests, and the public.
“We are always looking to improve,” says Jackson,
who has worked more than 30 distinguished years
inhis field. “In areas where we are not as strong,
we look to see what we can do better and it always
points to sustainability.”
A seasoned, respected professional, Jackson can still
get excited about a new project particularly if it promotes
sustainability. One such project that Jackson
has taken on will replace 175-watt metal-halide light
bulbs in the MGM Grand Detroit parking structure
with 40-watt LED bulbs. Technical language aside,
the project is a win-win as it will reduce energy costs,
maintain a pleasing, safe atmosphere, and provide
business for a Michigan company, which will provide
the light fixtures.
“We have an opportunity to save money while providing
a superior project,” says Jackson of the project
slated to be done by July 1.
Not far from the parking structure is the MGM
Grand Garden, another source of pride for Jackson.
Downtown Detroit’s first urban agriculture site, the
Grand Garden is the product of a special partnership
between MGM Grand Detroit and The Greening of
Detroit.
“Being a farmer all my life it helps get me back to my
roots,” said Jackson, who looks forward to a Grand
Garden initiative that will provide 400,000 new
seedlings to help start gardens across the community.
“We’re helping to show people that they can get
their hands dirty and have their own gardens in the
back of their house.”
Located on roughly two acres of land donated by
MGM Grand Detroit the MGM Grand Garden is a
combined beautification and urban farming project,
which has developed it into an important tool in The
Greening of Detroit’s work to foster food security in
the city. To learn more about The Greening of Detroit,
please visit www.greeningofdetroit.com

Proud Sponsor:
©2013 MGM Grand Detroit