Strobing lights, ringing bells and chimes, blaring music, clattering coins, and buzzing crowds are all part of Live! Casino Hotel Maryland®. However, behind this noisy playground, there is a quiet, yet impactful, philanthropic movement going on—an undertaking to make Anne Arundel County one of the greatest places to live and work for all. 

From its executive team to its family of employees, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland (Live!) is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of people throughout Anne Arundel County, both through financial support and volunteer efforts that help address the critical needs of our community. Live! has made significant contributions to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB) for the past 10 years, including contributing more than $15,000 in sponsorship dollars and prepared food to AACFB’s signature fundraising event, Feeding Hope, donating trucks full of turkeys at Thanksgiving, providing meeting space, and participating in volunteer efforts. 

However, ACFB is not the only beneficiary of Live!’s commitment to the community. The organization has partnered with many nonprofit organizations throughout the years such as Anne Arundel Community College (A ACC). Over the last decade, Live! has contributed nearly $900,000 in private scholarships to the college. And recently, in celebration it’s 10-year anniversary, Live! pledged a $1 million gift to AACC’s Hospitality Scholarship Program. 

“Live! Casino & Hotel of Maryland has been an exceptional partner to Anne Arundel Community College,” said AACC President Dawn Lindsay. “And their generosity extends beyond their charitable contributions for this robust scholarship program. Over the last decade, Live! has hosted college events, commencement ceremonies, and provided equipment and resources to our students so they could continue their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Additionally, Live! makes a significant financial investment annually in our community. In 2021 alone, their donations totaled more than $295,000 in Anne Arundel County. The Live! team works diligently to make regular contributions to diverse groups of charitable organizations and programs such as Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, The Y of Central Maryland, Sarah’s House, and Anne Arundel CASA to name just a few. Live!’s annual sponsorship as Leadership Anne Arundel’s top leadership partner, includes a mix of financial and in-kind support. 
Live!’s community support goes beyond their financial contributions. Living their promise to improve the quality of life in the communities where they live and do business, they also encourage employee volunteerism. Live! leadership has 11 people working on nonprofit boards in Anne Arundel County. Hundreds of volunteer hours are clocked every year by Live! employees in support of the community. Live! also hosts Leadership Anne Arundel’s annual Tribute to Community and Graduation event as well as the Flagship’s class Economic Development Day. 
“Live encourages and motivates its employees to engage with local nonprofits in all ways—financial support, board and committee leadership, hosting and in-kind support, volunteer support, and more. Live! has a ‘go big or go home’ spirit in their dedication to the Anne Arundel nonprofit community,” said Kris Valerio Shock, President & CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel. 

 “Whenever there is a need, Live! is first in line to offer their support,” added the nominators.

Live! Casino Hotel Maryland^® was nominated by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and the AACC Foundation.

The Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented to a local business or corporation that has a proven record of exceptional generosity and demonstrates outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility through direct financial support to nonprofits located in Anne Arundel County. The local business or corporation encourages and motivates its employees to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement with local nonprofits.