ROCKFORD, IL – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Hard Rock Casino Rockford will participate in Hard Rock International’s PINKTOBER fundraising efforts. Since its inception, Hard Rock has raised over $12 million for breast cancer research, including $1.3 million raised in 2023. This year, Hard Rock International is kicking off its PINKTOBER efforts with a $100,000 donation to the American Cancer Society, funding advocacy, research and patient support initiatives, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive breast cancer. In addition, Hard Rock properties around the world will have special events and offers across its Hotels, Cafes, Casinos, Rock Shops® and digital platforms. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation® to benefit breast cancer awareness and research charities worldwide.

Community members and guests who want to show their support and participate in PINKTOBER can visit Hard Rock Casino Rockford and take part in fundraising activations benefiting American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society of Rockford. Upcoming local events and offers include:

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Rockford – Sat., Oct. 5, 9:00 AM, Rock Valley College
• Change for Change – Casino guests can donate change from redeemed gaming vouchers to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, where 100% of the funds will benefit cancer research.
• Hard Rock Cafe Rockford will donate $1 for every Legendary Burger purchased in the Month of October. 100% of the funds will be donated to the American Cancer Society of Rockford.
• Every Hard Rock Cafe Rockford sandwich will be served on a Pink Bun. The Pink Bun is made with beet powder and NOT food coloring. If a guest requests not to have the Pink Bun, a regular one will be served.
• The Rock Shop will donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Pinktober retail pin to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation.

"We’re proud to be a part of Hard Rock International’s 25th PINKTOBER anniversary with Making Stride Against Breast Cancer of Rockford to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research,” said Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Casino Rockford. "We hope these activities inspire the local community and visitors to give back to the cause to help find a cure."

Partnerships With a Purpose: Lionel Messi and Oracle Red Bull Racing

In honor of PINKTOBER, Hard Rock International is proud to collaborate with its esteemed global partners to present a once-in-a-lifetime auction of rare and exclusive items, running from October 1 through November 22, 2024, on QTEGO. All proceeds will benefit the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, supporting breast cancer awareness and research efforts worldwide.

This year’s auction is set to make history, offering items never available before to the public. Among the highlights, global soccer icon and Hard Rock brand ambassador Lionel Messi will donate a pair of autographed pink cleats, worn during a historic Inter Miami CF match. This marks an extraordinary opportunity for fans and collectors alike to own a piece of Messi's legacy while contributing to a vital cause.

Oracle Red Bull Racing—Hard Rock’s official restaurant, casino, and hotel partner—will make history by auctioning off autographed racing gear, including items worn by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. This exclusive race gear will be auctioned off with proceeds split between Wings For Life and the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, and cannot be purchased anywhere else. To further honor the PINKTOBER campaign, the Hard Rock branding on the team’s cars and driver overalls will feature a special pink design throughout October and the start of November, uniting speed, power, and purpose in the fight against breast cancer.

These extraordinary items will not only elevate the spirit of PINKTOBER but also serve as a reminder of the global reach and unity in the fight for breast cancer awareness. This is more than an auction; it's a movement, powered by iconic athletes and racing champions, to help make a lasting impact.

Hard Rock Hotels
To commemorate 25 years of unwavering support, Hard Rock Hotels will donate 25 all-inclusive hotel stays, totaling 100 nights, to breast cancer survivors, thrivers and caregivers. Hotels globally will introduce meaningful experiences that allow guests to connect with music while contributing to a great cause. As part of the Sound of Your Stay amenity program, Hard Rock will launch a limited-edition “Stronger Together” pink vinyl record, featuring inspirational and empowering tracks, that guests can check out or purchase. Additionally, guests can check out a custom pink electric or acoustic guitar, enjoy live music and entertainment for the cause, special food & beverage amenities, or indulge in curated spa treatments. Select properties will feature pop-up events including a chance to make custom jewelry from upcycled guitar strings, in partnership with Strings for Hope.

Hard Rock Cafes
In celebration of PINKTOBER, embrace the power of pink! Hard Rock Cafes will serve all burgers and sandwiches on specialty pink buns. Join us in making a difference and staying stronger together.

Hard Rock Casinos
In addition to a portion of proceeds from casino games, including poker, blackjack and slots, being donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation to support breast cancer awareness and research worldwide, through the Change For Change Program, gamers are encouraged to donate change from redeemed gaming vouchers all month long to support American Cancer Society.

Rock Shop®
Hard Rock has developed a terrific lineup of limited-edition PINKTOBER tote bags, pins, long-sleeve crew necks, T-shirts and hoodies available in Rock Shops.

Hard Rock Games
Gamers can spin the slots for Hard Rock’s 25th PINKTOBER fundraising anniversary on their mobile or desktop devices and link their Unity by Hard Rock™ account to earn rewards on qualified in-game purchases as they give back. Twenty players will win PINKTOBER merch from the Rock Shop® when they spin slots, complete levels and link their cards. Additionally, every purchase of PINKTOBER merch with hearts from the Rewards Center will contribute to the cause.

Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet is proud to help raise awareness for PINKTOBER by incorporating branded elements in its highly-rated app throughout October, and will support the campaign by making a donation to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation for every new player referred to the platform. Playtech will join the campaign with a corporate donation to the Foundation and by raising awareness with PINKTOBER-themed elements during gameplay on Hard Rock Bet branded Live table games, which are available to New Jersey players.

For more information on how you can support PINKTOBER visit www.hardrock.com/PINKTOBER. Additionally, to donate and discover more ways to fight against breast cancer, visit donate.cancer.org.

About Hard Rock Heals Foundation

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a 501c(3) founded in 2016 in order to unite all philanthropic efforts, including global initiatives and local events, under one charity platform to benefit one common goal: making the world a better place by serving people and our planet. The foundation's motto, Love.Amplified., seeks to inspire us all to turn up the volume and deliver the message that lives can be improved by the healing power of music. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation provides grants and assistance to health and wellness, disaster relief, humanitarian causes and more around the world. All funds raised through Hard Rock's various philanthropic efforts at cafes, hotels, casinos and other venues are used to support global and local efforts that align with Hard Rock's core values of philanthropy and giving. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation initiatives include an exclusive merchandise collection, philanthropy- driven Hard Rock Hotel suites which benefit the cause, casino programs, live music donations and much more.

About Hard Rock®

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 74 countries spanning 313 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. 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 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.