Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Outlines Philanthropic Giving, Community Impact

Throughout 2016, HE&R, its employees and guests contributed more than $2,557,074 in cash, goods, and services to deserving causes within the company's four CSR pillars: Environment, Community, Workplace and Marketplace & Guest Focus. This total contribution is separate from the company's ongoing support of Milton Hershey School (MHS) which is central to our core purpose. Contribution to MHS includes the company's annual dividend to the School, which was $13,884,000 in 2016, and nearly $500,000 in Hersheypark Season Passes and tickets to numerous sporting and cultural events throughout the school year for students, teachers and staff members. Equally important to HE&R's financial support to MHS is the company's ongoing efforts in providing personal and professional support to the school's students through mentorship opportunities, leadership and development programs.

HE&R's long-term focus on children and families has yielded long-standing partnerships with organizations such as Children's Miracle Network, Ronald McDonald House, and United Way (UW). In 2016, the company donated more than $486,200 to those organizations. Also, in an effort to help enrich the lives of children, Hersheypark™ donated tickets valued at more than $395,900 to area elementary schools and Give Kids the World, a non-profit organization that exists to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. 

In addition to providing to charitable donations, HE&R is committed to working with its employees, guests, and partners to be responsible stewards of the environment. In 2016, the company reduced its water usage by eight percent, and installed electric car-sharing stations at both The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge resorts. The company recycled more than 66.8 tons of cardboard, 109.9 tons of glass and 31.4 tons of plastic and, with a new initiative, recycled more than 23,000 gallons of cooking oil.

The Hershey Community Garden opened in 2014 through a collaboration with HE&R, The Hershey Company and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to fund and build a place where community members could plant and harvest vegetables. HE&R shares a plot with The Hershey Company, and with the help of volunteers from both companies, 1,018 pounds of fresh produce was donated to area food banks to help combat hunger locally.

From employee volunteerism, in-kind and monetary donations, sponsorship activations, extensive community partnerships and recycling programs, Mr. Hershey's example continues through HE&R's CSR activities today. To view the HE&R 2016 CSR Summary in its entirety, please visit http://www.hersheypa.com/assets/pdf/csr-report-2016.pdf.

About HE&R: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company is a world-class entertainment and hospitality company dedicated to preserving the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Founded in 1927 by Milton S. Hershey, HE&R and its subsidiaries own and/or operate the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex, Hersheypark Arena & Stadium, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park,Hershey Bears AHL Hockey Club, Giant Center arena, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hersheypark Camping Resort, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, MeltSpa by Hershey, Hershey Country Club and Hershey Golf Collection,Hershey Nursery, and Hershey Laundry & Dry Cleaning. For additional information about HE&R, visit www.HersheyPA.com.

© 2017 Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. Trademarks appearing in bold or italics are owned or used by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company under license or with permission. All rights reserved.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School, the largest home and school in the world, as it continues to provide opportunities for children in need.

SOURCE Hershey Entertainment & Resorts