LAS VEGAS (May 9, 2019) – Today, Wynn Las Vegas announced the completion of its 10-month revitalization of The Shade Tree, a 24-hour accessible shelter designed to specifically meet the needs of women and children in crisis. Following the resort’s partnership announcement with The Shade Tree in Aug. 2018, Wynn Las Vegas, with assistance from more than 170 community partners, has collectively donated more than 15,500 hours of labor, and a total of $2.5 million in donated labor costs and in-kind donations of construction materials to make cosmetic and functional upgrades to the shelter from the ground-up. The Shade Tree, a Las Vegas-based non-profit organization, helps women and children who are victims of homelessness, sex trafficking and abuse.

 

Renovations include, but are not limited to, an all-new expanded kitchen that can better accommodate the more than 200,000 meals served there each year; full renovation of the first floor, including an expanded intake center; full renovations to the second and third floor residential areas, including all-new bathrooms, mattresses and linens; upgrades to the common areas on each floor; increased security measures; and a revitalized children’s play area.

 

“What began as an opportunity to aid an essential community organization quickly became a project of passion for our staff,” said Darrell Richards, vice president of construction, Wynn Design and Development. “As we filtered through the list of upgrades The Shade Tree facility needed and started to narrow our project scope, it was quickly realized that there was an opportunity to make a much greater impact here. The Shade Tree residents deserve to be in an environment where they feel safe and dignified, and we hope that with these upgrades we’re helping them do just that.”

 

The combined investments from Wynn Las Vegas and several community partners helped to alleviate substantial current and future construction costs for The Shade Tree. The improved facility expands the capacity of the shelter, providing more women and children with temporary housing, meals, medical care, and other life-changing services that align with the shelter’s goal of fostering stability, dignity and self-reliance. Wynn Las Vegas alone provided 2,717 hours of pro bono services to The Shade Tree in the areas of food safety, security, engineering and marketing – amounting to more than $295,000 in value – and $250,000 in overall construction costs.

 

“Words aren’t adequate to fully express our deep appreciation for the generosity and leadership of Wynn Las Vegas,” said Linda Perez, executive director of The Shade Tree.  “The Wynn team has had an ongoing presence at our shelter for many months now, and their generosity is evident in so many forms, from monetary contributions, to volunteer hours, as well as taking on such a monumental community-wide initiative by securing nearly 200 partners to rally behind this project.  “Wynn’s investment has significantly changed the overall energy of the facility, staff and more importantly, our residents. While the work is complete, the legacy of the project will positively impact our residents for years to come.  An improved and upgraded facility enhances the overall living experience and elevates the efficiency and operations of our organization’s programming and services.  As a result, Wynn has rebuilt more than just the physical structure of our building, it has rebuilt our residents’ independence, stability and dignity.”

 

 

 

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Wynn Resorts strives to make a difference in the communities where our employees and guests live and work. By mobilizing the spirit of service in the hearts of our employees, a global philanthropic program has been cultivated since the Company’s inception in 2002 that continuously finds new ways to support education, develop neighborhoods, provide crisis relief, promote the arts, protect the environment, care for Veterans, battle food insecurity, promote diversity, and so much more. In 2017, Wynn Resorts invested $24 million in improving local communities, partnered with 100 non-profit organizations, and sponsored 125 volunteer events where employees donated 22,000 hours of time. The Wynn Employee Foundation helps employees further extend their financial impact by matching donations dollar-for-dollar, raising millions more to assist local non-profits. More information can be found in Wynn Resorts’ 2017 Corporate Sustainability Report, or at WynnEmployeeFoundation.com.

 

Deanna Pettit-Irestone / Erica Benken

702-770-2120

 

Lisa Robinson

Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations

702-326-0334