Stephanie Stanton Leads Corporate Social Responsibility Program at the Venetian and the Palazzo
Sands Cares, the corporate giving program of Las Vegas Sands, is the company’s manifested commitment to being a good corporate citizen, committed to its people, communities in which it operates and the planet. In each region, Sands Cares has Corporate Social Responsibility leads that manage the program and execute initiatives unique to each region.
Stephanie Stanton joined The Venetian and The Palazzo in 2008, starting in Group Hotel Services. She then moved to the front desk, launching the Hotel Operations Development Academy (HODA), managing the partnership with IHG. From there, Stanton moved to Human Resources where she was an office manager for special projects, ultimately taking a leadership role with Sands Cares. Stanton is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Public Administration, specializing in Non-Profit Management. Her goal is to become a better donor for the company and learn where the private sector can fill the gaps for non-profits.
“The most exciting part of taking on this new program was the freedom to flex my creative muscles,” Stanton, Director of Sands Cares and Operations for The Venetian and The Palazzo said. “I was able to build something impactful for the community and for our Team Members, building a lot of relationships along the way. We have a stellar reputation for great guest service and we should also have a great reputation for community service. The hardest part of this job is not being able to help every organization that has asked for our help.”
Reviewing each request from various organizations, Stanton and her advisory board dedicate themselves to focusing on the organizations that fit into the goals of the Sands Cares program and fall within the designated pillars. She says she sees herself as a connector from the company to the organizations, and the Team Members to the beneficiaries they help in the community. Stanton says the goal of the program is to take part in events that benefit the most people.
“I never worry about not having enough volunteers. Team Members always show up,” she said. “After our first event, with consistent messaging and repetition, volunteers started flooding in and looking for events to volunteer at. Team Members beg to attend events and ask for events that are coming up. We have the most humble, generous, compassionate and hardworking Team Members. They embody the company’s commitment to service, not just at work, but in their daily lives. Our volunteers are always present and excited to make an impact and that’s a testament to our company culture. They have so much excitement for who they work for.”
Some of Stanton’s favorite events include the Santa Run which is held during Sands Cares’ Season of Giving during the holidays, and the KLUC Toy Drive, which The Venetian and The Palazzo has been an active participant since it started with HELP of Southern Nevada’s Adopt-a-Family program. Team Members join together to donate gift cards, toys and other items leading up to the event.
“It’s just the best when a 21 foot semi-truck shows up unannounced filled with toys and bikes for kids that won’t be getting anything for Christmas,” Stanton said. “This event has kicked off a very thoughtful partnership and it’s one of the largest of its kind. It’s what I call ‘feel good’ ROI and its phenomenal. We have Team Members there volunteering during the 12 day event. It instills a sense of pride for our Team Members. The company is different in that they invest in their Team Members and in turn they feel valued and want to give back. It’s a respectful culture which is unique in our industry.”
