Charitable Arm of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming Chose Winnebago County CASA as one of only 50 Nonprofits Worldwide to Receive Funding

Rockford, IL – Hard Rock Casino Rockford in partnership with Hard Rock International’s Foundation, Hard Rock Heals, today announced Winnebago County CASA will receive a $5,000 grant as part of its commitment to improving the lives and resiliency of the local communities where Hard Rock serves and operates.

Rockford-based Winnebago County CASA, which advocates for the best interests of children within the juvenile abuse and neglect court system, is one of 50 local grant winners around the world to receive contributions totaling $250,000 from Hard Rock International’s charitable arm this year.

“This grant supports Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s continued mission to support our community,” said Geno Iafrate, Hard Rock Casino Rockford President. “Hard Rock Rockford donated more than $1 million to area charities in 2023, and we will continue to do that in 2024.”

“Winnebago County CASA is grateful to the Hard Rock Casino Rockford for partnering with us to meet the needs of our community's children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are now in the court system,” said James Hutson, Winnebago County CASA Executive Director. “We empower volunteer CASA Advocates to speak up for children who don't have a voice.”

Since 2016, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation has proudly awarded hundreds of programs and nonprofits like Winnebago County CASA with much-needed funding to support people in the communities Hard Rock serves.  Grants are targeted to bolster programs dedicated to mental health awareness and research, preventing human trafficking, and ensuring children grow up healthy, educated, and safe.

For more information on Hard Rock’s philanthropic efforts visit www.hardrockheals.org.

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About Hard Rock Heals Foundation:
The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Music is energy; it stirs emotion, inspires, connects, and restores. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation exists to improve lives through the power of music. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has brought people together through the power of music. We have developed partnerships with artists ranging from emerging to iconic in support of charitable efforts around the world. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to individuals whose goal is to heal through the power of music. Partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations allow Hard Rock Heals Foundation the opportunity to improve lives and promote wellness.

About Hard Rock:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 265 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe.