Harrah's Foundation pledges $1 million to charity

31 July 2007

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- AtlantiCare opened its Special Gifts Campaign today by recognizing its first corporate donor. Officials from AtlantiCare and the Harrah's Foundation announced the Harrah's Foundation is pledging $1 million to the campaign. In recognition of the contribution, AtlantiCare officials also announced they are renaming the Regional Trauma Center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC). It will be known as Harrah's Regional Trauma Center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Emergency Center.

The press conference took place at the construction site of the hospital's $128 million expansion, which includes the Trauma Center's new state of the art trauma resuscitation area, helipad with stabilization area and private trauma intensive care and active care rooms. The Harrah's Foundation also presented ARMC with $200,000 -- the first installment of the five-year pledge. It is the largest charitable pledge the Harrah's Foundation has made in the region.

"Through this generous donation, Harrah's is making a positive impact on the well-being of our community," said David P. Tilton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. "The pledge is a wonderful example of corporate social accountability."

"Harrah's is pleased to partner with AtlantiCare in building and supporting its new trauma center," said Carlos Tolosa, president of Harrah's Entertainment, Eastern Division. "We're making this pledge because of the superior care ARMC's Trauma Center provides to the citizens of our region and those who visit the area. We look forward to the opportunity Harrah's and AtlantiCare will have to collaborate in the future on programs and services that contribute to a healthier and safer community."

"On behalf of our patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and Board of Governors, we thank the staff and management of Harrah's," said Margaret Belfield, vice president and administrator of ARMC City campus. "The well- being of our trauma patients depends on the intricate teamwork of many departments in the hospital. So too, do our partnerships with Harrah's and other businesses and organizations enhance the well-being of residents of, those who work in and those who visit our region."

The Harrah's Regional Trauma Center celebrated its 15th anniversary in May and opened a new helipad in June. It treated a record number of patients in 2006, caring for 1,669 patients, the most in its 15 years of service to the community.

AtlantiCare's Special Gifts Campaign is part of its five-year capital campaign to raise $10 million to assist AtlantiCare in providing new and enhanced programs and services. AtlantiCare's Special Gifts Campaign will in part benefit the $128 million expansion of ARMC's City campus in Atlantic City. The new seven-story patient tower, the George F. Lynn Harmony Pavilion, will open to the public later this year. AtlantiCare will also use campaign funds to upgrade the existing ARMC City campus facility.

AtlantiCare is a regional healthcare organization based in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, whose more than 4,460 employees serve the healthcare needs of the community at more than 60 locations. It includes AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC), the AtlantiCare Foundation, AtlantiCare Health Plans, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health and AtlantiCare Health Services. ARMC earned J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital designation for the third consecutive year for its commitment to providing "An Outstanding In- patient Experience," in July, 2006. ARMC became the 105th hospital in the nation to attain status as a Magnet(TM) designated hospital in March of 2004.