This isn’t how we normally start the show.” Get used to hearing those words coming from entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip, just as they came from Donny and Marie Osmond Tuesday night at the Flamingo. The longtime Vegas performers stepped in front of the curtain before the show to announce they would donate the evening’s proceeds to the families of victims of the October 1 shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival. Across the street at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Celine Dion made the same announcement.
At a time when it’s easy to become overwhelmed by grief, the large and resilient Las Vegas entertainment and hospitality family is embracing the community with generosity and love.
And it’s not just headlining stars who are pitching in to help heal the city—it’s everyone. Las Vegas native and American Idol alum Mikalah Gordon turned her regular gig at West Hollywood’s Bar 10 into a donation drive and then transported the goods back to Vegas. Local DJs Franzen, Karma, G-Minor, Kid Conrad, Que, Dre Dae, Teenwolf and others gathered at the eastside Luv Lounge Wednesday night to raise money. The South Point resort and entertainer Frankie Moreno scheduled a benefit show for October 5 at 7:30 p.m. And countless local restaurants have stepped up to provide meals for first responders to say thank you for their brave and tireless efforts.
The Vegas Golden Knights, the Foley Family Charitable Trust and the National Hockey League announced a joint donation of $300,000 to support victims and first responders, an incredible gesture from a new organization that has already established strong ties to its community. And on top of ongoing efforts to provide lodging, meals, air and ground transportation and counseling to those in need, MGM Resorts is donating $3 million.
“There are simply no words to express our grief and outrage over this senseless and horrific attack on our community,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. “Yet in this devastating time, we are inspired. From the heroic stories of victims on the ground who placed the safety of strangers and loved ones before themselves, to the incredible bravery of first responders who rushed in when others were rushing out and who surely lessened the damage, to the knowledge of so many good and incomplete works done by those we lost—we are collectively drawing strength and faith to meet the difficult days ahead.”
