Sun file
Former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren heads the Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Published Friday, April 3, 2020 | 10:23 a.m.
Updated Friday, April 3, 2020 | 5:21 p.m.
A public-private task force created to help stop the spread of the coronavirus in Nevada has raised $10 million in its first week of existence, receiving donations from a wide range of groups — everything from sports franchises to casino companies — across the state.
The Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force, formed by Gov. Steve Sisolak and headed by former MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren, has also received support from individual contributions totaling $235,000.
Donors include: Nevada Gold Mines, Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation, The Fertitta Family Foundation, former Diamond Resorts CEO Stephen Cloobeck, The Murren Family Foundation, the Vegas Golden Knights and The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation owner Bill Foley, Mark Davis and the Las Vegas Raiders, The Marnell Family Foundation, Phil and Jennifer Satre, UFC, Monarch Casino, Peppermill Resort, Scott and Mary Alice Nielson, Menzies Family Trust and the Binion Family Foundation.
“In today’s hyper-competitive market of medical supplies, it is critical that we have readily available funds to seize opportunities to purchase necessary supplies every time appropriate sourcing is secured,” Murren said in a statement. “While this is significant progress, there is much more work to be done to ensure our state’s recovery. In this initial phase, we continue to focus all our efforts on meeting the immediate needs of Nevada’s medical and nonprofit communities during this unprecedented time.”
Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, the NHL franchise's charitable arms, combined to donate $1 million to the force. The Las Vegas Raiders also gave $1 million.
“We are all in this fight together. We are beyond grateful for the tireless efforts, courage and compassion that the entire medical community has demonstrated during these challenging times,” the Golden Knights said in a statement. “These contributions will especially support those medical workers on the front lines battling the pandemic here in Nevada. They are true everyday heroes. And just like they support us, we want to support them.”
The task force, Murren said in a release, is continuing to focus on acquiring medical equipment for use in the state. It already has a largescale acquisition of supplies, including 41,000 N95 or N95-equivalent masks, 1 million pairs of gloves, 2,000 surgical gowns, 700,000 surgical masks and 100 gallons of hand sanitizer.
Donate to the fund here.
