The Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock International, announced the distribution of $250,000 in grants to 50 local nonprofit organizations across the globe. These $5000 grants are part of the foundation’s annual commitment to help strengthen the communities in which Hard Rock operates through targeted support of impactful, grassroots initiatives.

The 2025 Hard Rock Heals Foundation Grant Program supports three focus areas:

• Mental health awareness and research

• Prevention of human trafficking and promotion of human rights

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• Children’s wellness and education

The deserving, locally based organizations selected this year span 15 countries and over 40 cities, reflecting the brand’s global reach and deep community connections. From autism awareness in the Maldives and childhood educational support in Mexico, to youth wellness in Austria and support for people experiencing homelessness in Florida, the 2025 recipients exemplify purpose-driven work that uplifts communities.

“Since 2016, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation has supported hundreds of local programs focused on healing and hope. This year’s grant recipients, whether serving children, combating homelessness, or standing up for human rights, embody the spirit of our mottos: ‘Love All – Serve All’ and ‘Take Time to Be Kind,’” said Tracy Bradford, President of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation and Seminole Hard Rock Support Services.

The program empowers each Hard Rock property to nominate one charity annually. Examples of 2025 grant recipients include:

The Bowery Mission (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe New York) – Serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness

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Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia (nominated by REVERB by Hard Rock Atlanta) – Granting life-changing wishes to critically ill children

Maldives Autism Association (nominated by Hard Rock Hotel Maldives) – Providing resources for children and families with autism

Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay (nominated by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa) – Supporting survivors of human trafficking

Cruz Roja Española (nominated by Hard Rock Hotel Marbella) – Offering essential care and education to underserved children

CAREER WARDROBE (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia) – Empowering women through professional development.

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Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming have been selected as a 2025 US Best Managed Company Gold Standard winner. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.

The 2025 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. Designees drove their businesses forward while remaining dedicated to their people and focusing on their customers.

“We are proud to be recognized as a US Best Managed Company for the fifth consecutive year, marking us a Gold Standard winner. This honor reflects the exceptional talent and dedication of our nearly 65,000 team members worldwide whose collective efforts and commitment to excellence fosters an inspiring workplace culture and extraordinary guest experiences,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.

Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.

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Hard Rock International has welcomed NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a brand ambassador to its roster of legendary athlete partners. This exciting partnership will bring exclusive collaborations and limited-time offers to NASCAR fans while they watch and revel in the 2025 season.

“Hard Rock is such a historic and iconic brand. I have always been a huge fan of music, so the vibes and attention to detail that Hard Rock puts into its locations is incredible to me. They have something for everyone – music, food, drinks, casino games and sports betting. I’m excited to partner with them and the opportunities we have to do some really fun things together,” said Earnhardt Jr.

“As a leader consistently delivering entertaining experiences across live music, gaming and sports to guests, Hard Rock is honored to have Dale Earnhardt Jr. as part of our team. Together we will celebrate the spirit of car racing at our properties across the globe through exciting new menu items, apparel and more,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.

Through the partnership, NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to engage with Earnhardt via Hard Rock Bet, which has already hosted a sweepstakes at Daytona International Speedway and will offer additional “money can’t buy” experiences for its players to meet the Hall of Fame driver. Fans can also follow along with Earnhardt’s sports betting picks on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet app and view exclusive video content on @HardRockBet channels.

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Additionally, later this spring, Hard Rock Games will debut the free-to-play Full Throttle with Dale Earnhardt Jr. slot game on the Hard Rock Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet apps. This high-octane game will put players in the driver’s seat, with their race car gaining speed with each win, delivering an adrenaline-fueled slot experience like no other.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an American professional stock car racing driver, champion team owner, businessman, NASCAR analyst, and 2022 inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He won a record 15 straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards from 2003 to 2017, consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championships in 1998 and 1999 and the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014.