Nominate a “Grand Hero”
Reno’s premier gaming-resort recognizes community members with monthly “Grand Hero” awards program
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 5, 2021) – Communities are filled with people quietly helping others and doing incredible acts worthy of recognition. Do you know an everyday hero deserving of acknowledgment? Show your appreciation by nominating your Grand Hero for a complimentary two-night stay at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSR).
The casino-resort is continuing its monthly “Grand Hero” program, where community members are asked to nominate everyday heroes in their local communities from teachers to first responders to volunteers and all those in-between to receive a relaxing resort vacation as an expression of thanks. Nominate and share stories of everyday heroes deserving recognition to GSR’s “Grand Hero” program by visiting grandsierraresort.com/gsr-cares.
GSR will select a winner once a month and will reward the chosen hero with a complimentary two-night stay at Northern Nevada’s premier resort destination, a food and beverage credit to use at any of the sumptuous restaurants featured throughout the casino-resort and a spa certificate for The Spa at Grand Sierra Resort.
Previous Grand Hero winners include Laura Tolotti, a Speech and Language Pathologist at Saint Mary’s Health Network; Fire Captain Brian Gonsalves with Northern California Fire District; and Jessica Evans, Unit Coordinator at Community Triage Center.
Nominated by five different community members, Tolotti was recognized for going above and beyond her duties over the last year. One of Tolotti’s nominators described her by offering the following: “A hero rushes in when everyone else is running away. They stay and tend to those in need when no one else can. It is not that they do not fear, but know that what they are doing is more important than fear. Laura has done this every day. That is why she is a Grand Hero.”
Over the last 18 years, Capt. Gonsalves has committed his life to serving others as a paramedic and firefighter in Northern California. He is also part FEMA’s Urban Search & Rescue Team, a special task force deployed around the country to provide aid after natural disasters or threats.
Jessica Evans has been with Well Care Services for the last three years catering to patients struggling with mental health. She currently runs Community Triage Center, a crisis and detox office, which often services some of the highest risk people including those with drug addiction, threatening suicide, or the homeless. As a unit coordinator, she is on-call 24/7 to make sure her patients get the help they need including things like crisis stabilization, medication, therapy, and transportation services to name a few.
The “Grand Hero” program is just one of many ways GSR is involved in the community through GSR Cares, which supports worthwhile initiatives as well as local and community-minded organizations and charities that help elevate the region and benefit those in need. In 2019 alone, GSR donated over $150,000 through sponsorships and in-kind donations. Through GSR Cares, team members have been involved in extensive volunteering opportunities with local groups such as the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Vaughn Middle School in Reno. GSR has partnered with Lyft and Zero Fatalities Coalition to prevent impaired driving in northern Nevada and has worked extensively with organizations including Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful to participate in annual river cleanups, Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northern Nevada, Toys for Tots, and Children’s Cabinet to sponsor the annual Art of Childhood event. In addition to supporting local community projects, GSR was a recipient of the NV Energy Lifetime Leader in Sustainability award for energy conservation efforts.
For more information about GSR, visit grandsierraresort.com.
