Hard Rock Casino donates $500K to Gary Schools
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GARY, Ind. - The Gary Community School Corp. has received a $500,000 donation from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana for basic needs and renovation across the district.
The donation will be applied towards gym upgrades, including new wall mats, resurfaced floors and new bleachers, the district said. School officials also hope to build a library and media center, purchase new AV equipment, create an indoor sensory wall and install new security equipment.
“When I first assumed the role of superintendent, I learned quite a bit about the corporate citizenship that Hard Rock of Northern Indiana consistently displays in this community. It certainly feels great to witness this generosity first-hand in support of our students,” Superintendent Yvonne Stokes said. “I am excited for the students and we are grateful for this vote of confidence in our ability to provide the best educational experience for every child we serve.”
Founded in 1906, the school district is acclaimed for conducting one of the earliest experiments in progressive schooling based on the ‘work-study-play’ of educating the ‘whole child.’
“We direct our philanthropic giving to organizations that are most in need in the surrounding areas,” Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana President Matt Schuffert said. “At Hard Rock International, the motto has always been ‘Love All, Serve All’. And we are committed to do our part to make not only Gary’s future but all of Northwest Indiana’s future, an outstanding success.”
Opened in 2021, Hard Rock’s $300 million complex features thousands of games, five restaurants, a retail shop and a live performance venue.