Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), announced a generous donation from MGM Resorts International of $150,000 to support the Best Buddies Jobs program in Nevada.

The Best Buddies Jobs program represents one of Best Buddies’ three key mission pillars, integrated employment. This program secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves. It matches skilled and qualified individuals with IDD with businesses seeking hard-working, dedicated employees. Through the Jobs program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer.

“MGM Resorts International is honored to partner with Best Buddies and to serve as a leader in the movement to hire individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Shelley Gitomer, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for MGM Resorts International. “Our partnership with Best Buddies Nevada helps promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace and allows individuals like Paul Brooks to showcase their incredible talents and abilities, and one that we hope to continue for years to come.”

MGM Hires Best Buddies Participant

MGM Resorts International has demonstrated their commitment to having an inclusive and diverse workforce by hiring Best Buddies Jobs participant Paul Brooks at the Bellagio Resorts and Casino as a gym attendant. Paul works greeting guests, stocking hospitality supplies, and he even works on holidays. His efforts were recognized at the 2016 Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. During the conference, Brooks received the Jobs Program Participant of the Year Award.

“I was so honored to receive the Jobs Program Participant of the Year Award,” said Brooks. “I’m excited to be the first Jobs participant to be hired at the Bellagio Hotel (MGM Resorts International) and I look forward to continuing to grow in my position at the company.”