Polar Bear Plunge, 2015
“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present” – Albert Camus. MLCV demonstrates generosity through giving — though it isn’t merely about the present. The rich ancestry of the past fuels the inspiration to serve today, in hopes of cultivating an even brighter future in its honor. MLCV’s work of giving back begins with the mission of improving the lives of the Mille Lacs Band and surrounding communities, but more expansive areas of giving add a unique trace of possibility to all.
Areas of Giving
The Donations Committee
In partnership with MLCV’s subsidiaries, Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley, MLCV’s Donations Committee has been working to contribute funds to nonprofit organizations since 1997. Monthly, the Committee meets to review submissions in correspondence with the Donation Guidelines. MLCV approves requests based on budget and business categories, including education, health and human services, environment, and arts and culture. In the first year of giving, nearly $12,500 was shared, whereas, in its highest year, $287,742.
The evolution of the Donation process is ongoing to acclimate to the ecosystem of the economy and community. Upon the beginning stages, MLCV would receive nearly 40 requests a month, and the selection was a fixed three organizations. The election process became challenging, given the number of people who needed help. Eventually, the Commissioner of the Donations Committee adjusted to encourage inclusiveness by splitting the budget to aid nearly all who submitted. Now, the reach of giving categories is diversified, and the spreading of hope touches as many as possible. Since the kickoff, Grand Casinos and MLCV have contributed almost $3,900,000.
Funds were granted to 49 initiatives for nearly $73,000 in the fiscal year of 2022 alone. Assistance to 4-Directions Development for a premier Red Lake Native artist event helped feature Native artists spanning the state. While financial backing to Reverence for Life and Concern for People went toward Project Turnabout, the only inpatient gambling addictions center in Minnesota. Other efforts like food shelf stocking, veterans aid, and Tribal Pow Wow events often find a place on MLCV’s giving list. The scope of those who apply and are approved is broad – even if it may only be a drop of giving in a sea of needs, it’s a drop that the sea would be missing without it.
Adopt-A-School Program
Adopt-A-School Program CEO presentation
The launch of the Adopt-A-School Program in 2012 brought support to local schools and the students and faculty who occupy them. MLCV’s firm stance on education’s importance pushed this initiative to fruition to offer resources ranging from cultural enrichment to volunteerism. Up to now, recipients of the program’s contributions include Hinckley Finlayson, Isle, and Onamia schools, with hopes to serve more on the horizon.
Covid-19 Pandemic Relief
Quarantine pack
When the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, and shutdowns struck, MLCV recognized the resources in possession versus those others lacked. This awareness initiated several projects:
Turkey and Pie Giveaway event
Turkey & Pie Giveaways: The yearly Fall Feast that served others an occasion to mingle over a hot meal was replaced with a Turkey & Pie Giveaway. Community members drove up to the MLCV HQ Building for a contactless delivery of a frozen turkey and pie, enough to enjoy with the entire family.
Pandemic Lunch Program: With contacts from the Adopt-A-School Program, MLCV immediately made calls to provide children with meals for a daily lunch — a necessity that many guardians were unprepared for upon school closures.
Elder food packs: Amidst the halt of the routine Bii-wiidoopimashinaang (Elder Events), which provides a meeting place for Band member Elders to gather and dine, MLCV created Elder food packs. The 6,630 packs, made to reduce the need to enter grocery stores during the peak pandemic, contained thoughtful ingredients for healthy meals for up to two weeks. The contactless exchange was also an opportunity for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Public Health to assist with healthcare-related needs.
Quarantine packs
Quarantine packs: In partnership with Grand Casino and the Mille Lacs Band Tribal Emergency Response Committee, MLCV assembled 251 quarantine packs to distribute to Mille Lacs Band neighbors during the pandemic onset. The packs provided families with safety items, cleaning products, and non-perishable food supplies.
Cases of supplies given: Donations of nearly 1,550 supply cases to local food shelves, schools, and nonprofit organizations fulfilled practical requirements and ensured zero waste was left behind. Products ranged from hygiene goods to blankets to perishable food items.
Cases of water given: MLCV delivered approximately 330 cases of one of the most unadorned essentials to businesses across the area, water.
Special Olympics Minnesota
Polar Bear Plunge event, 2015
A partnership with Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) places MLCV in a position to work on varying events that have a lasting impact. In September of 2022, MLCV participated in the 16th annual Ian Leonard Bad Pants Open, a family-friendly golf event featuring your best “worst pants ever,” raising direct funds for PGA REACH Minnesota and SOMN. While a yearly Polar Bear Plunge event hosted by Grand Casino and MLCV, beginning in 2012, brings people together in a true Minnesota fashion, raising charities tying back to SOMN. Keep your calendars open for the 2023 Polar Bear Plunge event on March 11.
MLCV Associates
Now Associates of MLCV have further resources to make an impact, too. In January 2022, MLCV’s Talent team implemented Volunteer Time Off (VTO) for its Associates. The policy allows 16 hours of pay yearly to volunteer at a charitable organization; since its launch, Associates have used nearly 2,000 hours company-wide. The desire to offer others the support necessary to have a direct hand in MLCV’s mission set the foundation for the policy’s development.
The described areas of giving invite readers to witness a piece of the philanthropic puzzle that MLCV continues to build. As additional work is underway and new ideas surface, the notion remains the same — to give today reaches the souls of the past, present, and future.
This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Brand Communication Specialist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio