Page 178 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2018

THEFINALSAY VINCENT
SCHWARTZ
Senior Vice President of Boyd Gaming for Mississippi and Louisiana
photo courtesy of Vincent Schwartz
Making a difference together is the opening statement in Boyd Gaming’s 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. It’s a statement that I personally believe in. These aren’t just words in a formal corporate report–they are words of action.
As a 21-year member of the Boyd Gaming team, I’ve been fortunate to work with a wonderful group of people who
are also committed to making a difference. From collecting essential supplies for storm victims to raising funds to provide books to children in the Gulf Coast area, my fellow teammates at IP continually find ways to make a difference.
Since making the Gulf Coast my home in 2012, I have
had many opportunities to serve the community. One of the organizations that I’m proud to support is the Bacot McCarty Foundation. IP Casino Resort Spa has been a supporter of the Bacot McCarty Foundation since 2008. In that time, the casino has donated more than $2 million to the organization. These donations support programs and events that assist youth and education throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast community. Through this support, the Foundation is able to assist other organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County. It’s been my pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors for this non- profit since 2012.
I am also proud to have served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of South Mississippi. During my tenure on the Board, IP Casino Resort Spa was recognized with United Way’s highest honor, the LIVE UNITED Award. The staff of the casino has raised more than $350,000 through team member donations spanning the past several years. Funds donated to the United Way go back into our communities, helping those in need.
Another of the many organizations supported by IP is the American Red Cross. Numerous IP team members experienced
the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath first-hand. So, when a rash of tornadoes ripped through Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas in late January 2017, the team members of IP stepped up to help.
In addition to a $25,000 donation to the Red Cross, our team members collected essentials such as cleaning supplies, work gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen
and bottled water for the victims. They filled a truck and delivered the supplies to the Red Cross. Again,
in September 2017, they filled two large trucks with comfort and cleanup supplies for distribution to Texas victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Giving back to our communities is part of the Boyd Gaming mission and culture, but it needs to be the mission of each of us. Every one of us can do something to contribute to making our Gulf Coast home a better place. Volunteer at your child’s school. Raise funds for the fight against cancer. Donate your time and money when and where you can. Even a smile and a kind word can make someone else’s life better and change it in ways you can’t imagine.
Always remember that we can make a difference. Together.
178 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2018
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