LAS VEGAS, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Tennis legend Andre Agassi recognized long-time partner MGM MIRAGE today when he named the multipurpose building at The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (AACPA) in the company's honor. The newly named MGM MIRAGE Building is the site of various activities, including school assemblies and community functions, as well as music instruction and dance and tumbling classes taught by representatives from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. The 27,000-square-foot building also houses the school's cafeteria that serves 500 meals daily.
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The building complements the Academy's academic curriculum and enables the school to offer more resources to the student population. "MGM MIRAGE has been incredibly supportive of the Foundation, and of the Grand Slam for Children, for many years," Agassi said. "The company is clearly committed to making our community a better place. We're happy to be able to name one of the school's buildings for MGM MIRAGE."
MGM MIRAGE President and CFO Jim Murren said the Academy is a beacon in the Las Vegas community. "As one of the world's largest gaming and hospitality companies, our business is dynamic and forever changing. However, one thing is certain, our future is linked to our ability to provide students in our community with a strong educational foundation," Murren said. "For this reason, we are very proud of this educational institution and for what it will mean in the lives of the children and for our community."
Today's dedication ceremony celebrated MGM MIRAGE's continued support of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, including the charter school and the Grand Slam for Children benefit concerts that have been held annually for the past 10 years at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Since its inception, the Grand Slam has raised more than $52 million. Presented by Genworth Financial, the 11th star-studded fundraising concert is scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 7.
In addition to Agassi and Murren, participants in the dedication ceremony included Congresswoman Shelley Berkley; Bill Hornbuckle, Mandalay Bay president and chief operating officer and chairman of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation Campaign Cabinet; staff members representing Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. John Ensign; AACPA administrators and students; Cirque du Soleil performers; and the MGM Voice Choir, an MGM MIRAGE employee choir.
The arts will be a focus of activity at the MGM MIRAGE building. In the coming weeks, rehearsals will begin for a new jazz ensemble, an expanded drama program for high school students and optional piano lessons for elementary school students.
Located at 1201 West Lake Mead Blvd., the Academy serves socio-economically challenged youth in kindergarten through 10th grade. The 11th and 12th grades will be added in 2007 and 2008, respectively. A prototype teaching community offering academic programs to enhance a child's character, motivation and self-discipline, the charter school provides small classroom settings to nurture a sense of responsibility within a safe and trusting environment. The curriculum focuses on technology and college preparation, while introducing cultural activities and expanded involvement in community affairs. The school also features longer school days and an extended school year.
About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
The AACF, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities. For information about AACF or AACPA, visit http://www.agassifoundation.org/ and http://www.agassiprep.org/, respectively.
About MGM MIRAGE
MGM MIRAGE , one of the world's leading and most respected hotel and gaming companies, owns and operates 23 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has investments in three other properties in Nevada, New Jersey and Illinois. MGM MIRAGE has also announced plans to develop Project CityCenter, a multi-billion dollar mixed-use urban development project in the heart of Las Vegas, and has a 50 percent interest in MGM Grand Macau, a hotel-casino resort currently under construction in Macau S.A.R. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE also has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company's website at http://www.mgmmirage.com/.
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