Commerce Casino and Hotel, a premier entertainment destination in Southern California popular for its state-of-the-art hospitality and strong ties with the locals, has responded to the devastating wildfires sweeping through the area by offering support to its employees, their families, and the broader community.
“We Aim to Offer Comfort, Stability, and Peace of Mind”
To provide immediate relief, the organization that is known for its meaningful initiatives and partnerships over the years has authorized emergency use of its hotel rooms for staff members and their families under mandatory evacuation orders.
The decision will offer displaced personnel a safe and stable place to stay amid the uncertainty caused by the fires.
“As a partner and cornerstone of the community, we are deeply committed to supporting our employees and their families during this crisis,” said chief executive officer Jeff Harris.
“By opening our hotel to those in need, we aim to offer comfort, stability, and peace of mind to our valued team members navigating significant challenges during this difficult time,” Harris added.
To ensure full accessibility for all employees, the casino, which operates the largest cardroom in the world with 320 tables, has communicated the initiative through multilingual messages in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Employees seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Human Resources department for immediate support.
Broader Efforts in Place
Beyond assisting its employees, the casino is also actively collaborating with local emergency services to contribute to broader wildfire relief efforts.
Namely, Commerce is working closely with community organizations to provide resources and address urgent needs where they are most critical.
“Our commitment to safety and community extends beyond our doors,” commented John Griffo, director of community affairs.
He added that they “stand in solidarity with the brave first responders” and everyone affected by the wildfires that have taken the lives of five people. destroyed over 1,000 structures and forced more than 130,000 residents to evacuate.
“Together we will overcome this challenge and provide meaningful support to those who most need it,” Griffo further commented.
Last February, two casinos in Oklahoma were evacuated amid a wildfire near the Kansas border. The fire forced local residents to evacuate as well.
