Convention Data Services, Los Angeles Convention Center and Levy Restaurants Spread Some Holiday Cheer
December 21, 2017
This article is the third in a series we have been running throughout the holiday season to shine a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack.
December has been a busy month for several trade show industry vendors wanting to make the holidays a little brighter for people in their communities and beyond.
Earlier this month, Convention Data Services kicked off its annual Season of Giving Program designed to assist the local community, industry and employees who could use a little extra holiday cheer.
As part of CDS’s Corporate Giving Program, the initiative will benefit the Bourne Council on Aging Bridging the Years Program, the PCMA Industry Relief Fund and the CDS Help a Colleague Program.
Designed to promote and enhance the social, physical and cognitive skills of seniors in a stimulating setting, the Town of Bourne, Massachusetts’ Council on Aging Bridging the Years Program supports local seniors and their families while providing an opportunity for caregivers to have a well-deserved respite with the assurance that their loved ones are in a safe environment.
CDS collected donated items for gift bags and delivered the gifts to 22 delighted seniors at the Bourne Community Center on Dec. 18.
To help the PCMA Industry Relief Fund, which unites the business events industry in providing assistance to fellow members impacted by the recent disasters, CDS donated $1,000 and is matching employee donations up to $1,000 through its Corporate Giving Program.
According to CDS officials, 100 percent of the donations will be distributed to aid areas impacted by the recent disasters.
Designed to benefit the children of CDS employees, the company’s Help a Colleague Program encourages those employees in need of extra assistance to privately submit their gift requests, which include children’s toys, clothing, books, educational supplies or art materials.
Employees wishing to help their colleagues can to do so by selecting a wooden ornament from a gift bag under the company tree and then purchasing an item to give as a gift, after which the Corporate Giving Committee collects and distributes gift donations confidentially.
“Making a difference in the communities in which we live and do business is part of our core values and corporate culture,” explained John Kimball, CDS president and CEO.
He continued, “Programs such as this year’s Season of Giving was established to create the opportunity for every CDS employee to participate, whether they work locally, in satellite offices or on the road. We believe it is especially important to help those in need during the holidays and we’re pleased that so many of our employees enthusiastically support our holiday giving programs.”
On Dec. 11, the Los Angeles Convention Center and in-house catering provider Levy Restaurants got into the spirit of holiday giving by teaming up for their second Annual Service Day at the Downtown Women’s Center in downtown Los Angeles.
About 30 LACC and Levy Restaurants employees participated in donating food and cooking a home-style meal for 200 women in DWC’s community consisting of a baked chicken pesto dish with oven-roasted tomatoes, zucchini and chives accompanied by a side of fruit and an arugula salad.
Founded in 1978, DWC is the only resource in Los Angeles exclusively dedicated to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of women overcoming homelessness each year in the Skid Row neighborhood of downtown L.A.
“The LACC and Levy Restaurants are extremely humbled and honored to work with such an impactful non-profit as Downtown Women’s Center where the community’s passion and dedication to end homelessness for women is felt from the moment you enter the Center,” said Brad Gessner, LACC general manager and senior vice president of AEG Facilities.
He continued, “Being able to cook and serve a home-cooked meal is a connective experience for both the volunteers and the women at the facility. We hope to continue the ‘cooking club,’ as the DWC calls it, and have it be a key component of our service day.”
In addition, the LACC team also handled DWC’s donation sorting, an important task during the holidays due to the volume of donations received, which included organizing and distributing the items to where DWC needed them most.
“Annually, over 5,000 volunteers dedicate their time, passion and skills to our mission of ending homelessness for women,” said Melissa Tillman, chief development and communications officer of DWC.
She added, “We are so grateful for partners like The Los Angeles Convention Center and Levy Restaurants for their vital support.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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