LAS VEGAS (Oct. 6, 2021) – With an ongoing mission to provide a “hand up” to underserved populations, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI), a federally-recognized Indian Tribe, donated $100,000 to Las Vegas based non-profit Three Square Food Bank. This donation is a part of the Tribe’s ongoing commitment to the communities that they serve. Subject to regulatory approvals and licensing, the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is planning to acquire The Palms and introduce San Manuel’s philanthropic values to Las Vegas.
The Tribe has awarded over $9.3 million dollars to educational institutions and charities in Las Vegas since January 2020. This donation to Three Square will provide over 300,000 meals to individuals and families who are being impacted by food insecurity in the Southern Nevada community. One of the Tribe’s main giving pillars is to reinforce healthy and resilient communities as stewards of the land and the environment. This donation is representative of their plan to support organizations addressing food insecurity, educational institutions and assisting with public safety measures.
“It is important to our Tribe that we work to impact and change lives of those who are in need and facing economic challenges,” said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman Ken Ramirez. “Our Tribe is proud of the community involvement and support we have provided in Southern California and across Indian country, and we are humbled and honored to continue this tradition of giving here in Las Vegas.”
“Food insecurity remains above pre-pandemic levels – nearly 364,000 Southern Nevadans, or one in six, don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” said Three Square President and CEO Brian Burton. “This incredible support from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is life-changing for our many neighbors in need. Words will never convey how grateful we are to the Tribe for joining us in the fight against hunger.”
About San Manuel Band of Mission Indians:
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the City of Highland, California. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel Reservation was established in 1891 when the Tribe was recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. SMGHA Nevada, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SMGHA, is in a definitive agreement to acquire The Palms from Red Rock Resorts, Inc. The transaction is expected to close later in 2021, subject to the receipt of all necessary gaming regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
About Three Square Food Bank:
Three Square is Southern Nevada’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization, serving Las Vegas and all of Clark, Lincoln, Esmeralda and Nye counties. Since opening in 2007, Three Square has provided more than 444 million pounds of food to hundreds of thousands of people in need and earned a reputation as one of the most efficient and effective food banks in the country. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Three Square immediately implemented a disaster response plan to answer sudden school and business closures, drastic declines in retail food donations, social distancing limitations on volunteer efforts, reduced on-site staff support, and the need for low-contact food distributions. Within days, Three Square had increased food distribution by 250,000 meals a week and increased the capacity of its Call Center to refer Southern Nevadans to available food resources, social services, and unemployment benefits. While Three Square’s COVID-19 relief efforts have superseded regular programs and operations for the foreseeable future, it is more committed than ever to its mission of providing wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. Three Square is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, or wants to learn more about Three Square’s vision of a community where no one is hungry, please connect at threesquare.org, Facebook (@ThreeSquareFoodBank), Instagram (@threesquarelv) and Twitter (@threesquarelv).