Las Vegas Sands Supports Community Development
In a significant move to bolster community initiatives, Las Vegas Sands, a leading global developer of integrated resorts, has announced a generous contribution of
$100,000 to 100 Black Men Las Vegas. This donation, made through the Sands Cares global community engagement program, aims to support various programs centered around mentorship, education, and community service.
A Focus on Empowerment
The financial support comes primarily to enhance
youth mentorship programs, scholarships, and community services provided by 100 Black Men Las Vegas. The new initiatives funded by this donation include:
- - A STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) initiative to prepare youth for future careers in these critical fields.
- - The Pathways to Public Service program, designed to cultivate future professionals in law enforcement and first responders.
- - The Realtist Academy, aimed at training participants to become licensed real estate agents or mortgage brokers.
Additionally, this funding will assist 100 Black Men Las Vegas in securing a permanent location for their operations, further solidifying the organization's presence in the community.
Expanding Impact
Gentry Richardson, the executive director of 100 Black Men Las Vegas, expressed gratitude for the support from Sands. He remarked, "Sands has always understood our overall goal across all of our offerings, which work together to empower our youth and community members to be healthy, self-sufficient, and successful." This partnership has proven pivotal in expanding their reach, with the 2025 donation paving the way for new programs that will significantly affect the local youth.
One of the hallmark programs supported by Sands is
Crossroads, a youth mentoring initiative that imparts vital life skills to middle and high school students. This program encompasses over
30 essential social and emotional skills, equipping the youth to thrive in their education and personal lives. In 2024, Crossroads served more than
1,500 students, contributing to an impressive
20% average grade point increase from the previous year.
Scholarships and Community Services
The Sands' contributions have far-reaching implications not only in mentorship but also in education. The previous year's funding facilitated the distribution of more than
$80,000 in scholarships to local college students, and they aim to surpass that with
$100,000 planned for 2025. Thus, the partnership fosters not just professional skills but also academic achievements for many in the Las Vegas area.
Their commitment extends further, providing direct community service opportunities such as free monthly
Virtual Youth Cooking Classes and special events like
Thanksgiving with the 100 and Friends, an annual dinner distribution event to support those in need during the holiday season.
A Legacy of Change
Since 1999, 100 Black Men Las Vegas has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for African American youths and their families by offering various programs focused on mentorship, education, health, and wellness. Their collaborative efforts in Southern Nevada have become instrumental in creating pathways for younger generations to succeed.
Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs at Sands, highlighted the organization’s impact: "As a leading community service organization in the Black community and Southern Nevada, 100 Black Men Las Vegas continues to have tremendous results in preparing and advancing young people to achieve their goals, while providing a critical foundation of social service support."
With this pivotal contribution to 100 Black Men Las Vegas, Sands not only reaffirms its commitment to corporate responsibility but also aligns itself with the broader goal of developing tomorrow's workforce by fostering education and mentorship. To learn more about the Sands Cares program and its community initiatives, you can visit their
website.
For those interested in participating or learning more about the programs offered by 100 Black Men Las Vegas, additional details can be found on their
official site.
Together, these organizations continually strive to build a strong foundation for the youth of Las Vegas, ensuring that every participant is empowered with the tools necessary for their future success.