Gaming’s donations are large part of Las Vegas Victims’ Fund
Contributions from the Southern Nevada gaming, tourism and entertainment industry accounted for almost 40 percent of the $31.4 million collected by the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund, organizers of the fund said Friday.
The Vegas Strong Fund — established and principally funded by Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming and Red Rock Resorts — contributed $5.2 million.
MGM Resorts Foundation donated $4 million, and other casino companies contributed.
Golden Entertainment donated $100,000, company spokesman Howard Stutz said Friday, and South Point donated but did not disclose an amount. A company spokesman declined to comment Friday.
Scott Nielson, chairman of the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund said the figure also includes contributions from slot manufacturers and the Vegas Strong Benefit Concert hosted by T-Mobile area. The concert raised nearly $700,000.
The other 60 percent in donations came from individuals who contributed as little as $1 and as much as almost $400,000.
The Las Vegas Victims’ Fund consolidated donations made to the Direct Impact Fund, the National Compassion Fund, GoFundMe and other sources. More than 90,000 donors contributed in total.
Jan Jones Blackhurst, chairwoman of the Vegas Strong Fund, and Virginia Valentine, president of the Nevada Resort Association, which established the Vegas Strong Fund, did not respond to requests for comment Friday.
The Review-Journal is owned by the family of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson.
Contact Nicole Raz at nraz@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512. Follow @JournalistNikki on Twitter.