Hard Rock Casino Tejon and the Tejon Indian Tribe proudly presented a $5,000 grant to emPOWERment today on behalf of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, recognizing the Bakersfield-based nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to support at-risk youth and individuals impacted by human trafficking. The presentation took place at Hard Rock Casino Tejon during a special community event attended by Hard Rock leadership, Tejon Tribal Leadership, emPOWERment representatives and media.

Earlier this month, emPOWERment was selected as a 2026 Hard Rock Heals Foundation grant recipient. Nominated by the team at Hard Rock Casino Tejon, the organization is one of 51 nonprofits worldwide chosen to receive funding through the Foundation’s annual grant program. This year, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation awarded a total of $255,000 to organizations making a meaningful difference in their local communities. This is the second year in a row that a Kern County charity has been chosen by Hard Rock Heals as a grant recipient.

emPOWERment is dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking while providing prevention, education, advocacy, mentoring and survivor centered services throughout Kern County and surrounding communities. The organization works to empower vulnerable youth and survivors through resources, life-skills development, scholarships and support programs.

“We are grateful to stand with Dess Perkins and the many that support emPOWERment in our region.” said Chris Kelley, President Hard Rock Casino Tejon.

The grant presentation highlighted the shared commitment of Hard Rock Casino Tejon and emPOWERment to strengthening local communities and supporting individuals facing significant challenges.

“What happens to one of us should be the business of all of us and with Hard Rock behind us and all the things they put in place to combat human trafficking, that just shows that everyone, as a collective, is a part of this fight.” said Dess Perkins, Founder and CEO of emPOWERment.

The $5,000 grant will help further emPOWERment’s mission to prevent human trafficking, support survivors and expand community awareness throughout Kern County and beyond. Hard Rock Casino Tejon remains committed to partnering with organizations that embody Hard Rock’s core values of “Love All – Serve All” and “Take Time To Be Kind.”

About Hard Rock Casino Tejon
Since its opening, Hard Rock Casino Tejon has positioned itself as a premier entertainment destination along the I-5 corridor, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The property features 150,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,100 slot machines, over 60 table games, and multiple dining destinations, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, The Marketplace, Deep Cut Steak | Seafood and YouYu.

The entertainment venue is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield, on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, situated at the southernmost tip of California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley and nestled near the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass that connects Southern California to the Central Valley. This region of the San Joaquin Valley is home to one of the most productive agricultural counties in the country and is the center point of the state with access to the Central Coast and both Northern and Southern California within a couple hours’ drive.

About Hard Rock^® 
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops^®, Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.  

HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI 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