Robinson: “We are committed to helping build strong North Carolina communities”
Cherokee, North Carolina – Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos had an astounding year of growth in 2021, but amid its ongoing changes, the company remained firm in its long-standing commitment to empowering team members and leaving a positive impact on its local communities.
“2021 was a very exciting year for us as we introduced many new amenities and services at each property, however our greatest accomplishments will always be the work that we do to serve others,” said Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos. “We are committed to helping build strong North Carolina communities and I could not be prouder of the great work we accomplished this past year.”
The company’s economic and community impact for 2021 include:
Volunteerism
Aligning with the core values of Caesars Entertainment, the company provides volunteer opportunities for team members through its H.E.R.O program (Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out). In 2021, over 29,000 volunteer hours were logged by team members and their families with local non-profit organizations including P.A.W.S Animal Shelter, Valley River Humane Society and MANNA Food Bank.
Sponsorship Donations
Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos continued to showcase their support to local non-profit organizations through sponsorship donations, totaling over $270,000 in cash and services for 2021. Notable contributions include a $30,000 donation to NC Beautiful, a $20,000 donation to Helping Haywood and a $10,000 donation to WNC Communities. Also noteworthy is the $70,000 donation made to Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that assists military families by providing educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. 2021 was the fifth year that Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos supported Folds of Honor by hosting a beverage fundraising event at its properties.
Economic Impact
In addition to their philanthropic work, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos continued to show their support to its team members. In May of 2021, the company announced an increase to the starting pay rate for all non-tipped positions to $15 per hour. Other hourly and salaried team members, up to and including managers, who made more than $15 per hour also received a wage increase. For the year, Harrah’s Cherokee disbursed over $163 million in salary, wages, and benefits for its 3,700 team members.
Supporting Local Economy
Continuing their efforts to support the local economy and local businesses, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos paid over $38 million for contracts and services in addition to contracting over 49,000 area hotel rooms to help accommodate guests.
An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The casino has over 3,000 games. The property also features over 1,800 hotel rooms, the Le Fu Men gaming area, 11 restaurants, the luxurious 18,000 square foot Mandara Spa, 11 retail shops, the 3,000 plus seat Event Center, Caesars Sportsbook, North Carolina’s first and premiere sports betting venue, and The Cherokee Convention Center. In addition to the 56-acre property, guests have privileged access to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian-owned Sequoyah National Golf Club. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is also home to the UltraStar Multi-tainment center which features 24 bowling lanes, an arcade, and three bars.
