LAS VEGAS, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) marked WORLD WATER DAY with a pledge of $1 million to support the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water. ONE DROP was initiated by Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil, and is dedicated to fighting poverty through projects aimed at supporting access to water, and raising awareness of water-related issues.
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"At MGM Resorts, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our vision for social responsibility," said Jim Murren, the company's Chairman & CEO. "We are proud to be a leader in the stewardship of water and the environment in the communities in which we operate, and to join with ONE DROP in developing programs locally and globally that promote a comprehensive and strategic approach to water stewardship," Murren said.
Murren said the pledge would be made over five years and is in addition to the donation of ticket proceeds of Las Vegas-based Cirque du Soleil shows during "One Week for ONE DROP" in the week that coincides with WORLD WATER DAY.
"Today, MGM joins us to act in order to achieve my dream of safe water for all, today and tomorrow. Employees, artists, partners, and friends all come together this week and all year long to support ONE DROP and to act to protect water, one of the most precious resource on Earth," said Guy Laliberte, who also serves as President of ONE DROP. "I am touched to see that we can create a ripple effect. ONE DROP will continue to hold out a hand to the whole world to make this dream a reality, one drop at a time, one step at a time, for future generations," Laliberte added.
The United Nations WORLD WATER DAY is observed on March 22 to spotlight the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources. In addition, a senior MGM Resorts leader will become a member of the Board of Directors of ONE DROP to help guide the organization's work.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in four other properties in Nevada, Illinois and Macau. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino.