Harrah’s and Robby Gordon Deliver Van for Meals on Wheels Program

Thanks to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort, Maricopa’s first Meals on Wheels program shifted into high gear today – literally. With a screech of brakes, NASCAR, Indy and off road race driver Robby Gordon delivered a $40,000, 2004 Chevy Silverado van.

NASCAR driver Robby Gordon delivers the van.

“This vehicle will allow us to take care of many residents who might otherwise go hungry,” said Olivia Guerrero, Executive Director of the Pinal-Gila Area Agency on Aging, as she received the keys to the van. “We are thankful for Harrah’s caring employees and staff for the vehicle and their generous support in making this program a reality.”

A smiling Olivia Guerroro receives the keys to the delivery van presented by Tom Cook (left) and delivered by Robby Gordon (right).

During the ceremony held at the casino at 10 a.m., Tom Cook, Harrah’s Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino’s Senior Vice President and General Manager explained, “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino saw a need in the community and decided to step up and do something about it. Every business has the responsibility to give back to the community. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is dedicated to serving where there’s a need.” He also commended H.E.R.O., a Harrah’s employee-based volunteer group, for their donation of $20,000 to launch the Maricopa program in September of this year.

In acknowledgement of the Ak-Chin Casino’s monetary donation and vehicle, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and Maricopa Mayor Kelly Anderson issued proclamations declaring the month of November as Meals on Wheels Month in Arizona. “Governor Napolitano and Mayor Anderson’s proclamations certainly remind us all of the importance of the Meals on Wheels program and of giving back to our community,” said Mr. Cook.

Vice-Chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Maricopa school board member Delia Carlyle expressed pleasure at the partnership between the Indian community and Harrah’s.

Tom Jenkin, Harrah’s Western Division President, told the crowd that Harrah’s has donated 22 vehicles to Meals on Wheels programs across America. This fleet has allowed the program to deliver an estimated 1.3 million additional meals to homebound seniors than during the prior two years. Currently, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. has donated more than $1,000,000 to Meals on Wheels annually.

Maricopa Mayor Kelly Anderson reads his Meals on Wheels proclamation while other dignitaries listen. From left: Delia Carlyle, Olivia Guerrora, Mayor Anderson, Tom Cook and Tom Jenkin.

Following the ceremony, Mr. Gordon demonstrated some spins, turns and stops in his racecar and then left to personally deliver meals to two homebound seniors.