The Jackson Family, Hard Rock International and Walmart Attend a Special Dedication at the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club Presented by Spectacle Entertainment

GARY, Ind.—January 8, 2020—Hard Rock International, Walmart and The Jacksons donatedbicycles to Gary area children in need during a special dedication ceremony presented by

Spectacle Entertainment. Art Norman, broadcast journalist and contributor to NBC 5 News, hosted the event, held on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club, located at 2700 W. 19th Ave. in Gary.

The dedication ceremony included representatives from Hard Rock International, Walmart, The Jacksons and Spectacle Entertainment. Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Jermaine Jackson visited Gary to gift the bikes to the children and attend the Hard Rock Northern Indiana groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the following day. The world-renowned Jackson family began their career while residing in Gary, Ind., and are known as one of the most influential families in musical history. This marks the first time in fifty years the Jacksons have travelled to Gary together as a group.

On returning to their home, Tito Jackson stated, “Fifty years ago, five brothers named Marlon, Michael, Tito, Jermaine and Jackie, grew up in a tiny little house in Gary, where we all played, shoveled snow and recorded a song called ‘I Want You Back.’ It’s so important to our family that we are here now, going through the lay of the land as we help invest in revitalizing Gary.” Hard Rock International donated $20,000 to the Gary Club. Walmart contributed $15,000 and assembled and delivered the bikes, and Spectacle Entertainment hosted the dedication on Jan. 8.

Spectacle Entertainment and Spectacle team members also contributed $10,000 for a holiday party held at the Boys & Girls Club on Dec. 19 that featured food provided by Strack & Van Til Food Market, as well as gifts, coats, gloves and hats for the children.

“Every child should have a bike and we’re honored to help make that happen,” said Keith Richards, Walmart market manager for Northwest Indiana. “It’s part of Walmart’s commitment to help and support the communities we serve.”

President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana Ryan Smiley stated, “On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana and the thousands of youth we serve every day after school, we’d like to thank Spectacle Entertainment, as well as The Jacksons, Walmart and Hard Rock, for their generous support of the kids in Gary. This event is a small example of their commitment to quality, professionalism and local community engagement.”

The total contribution from Hard Rock International, The Jacksons, Walmart and Spectacle Entertainment, to benefit John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club exceeded $61,000. A check presentation was included during the dedication.

Spectacle Entertainment acquired Majestic Star Casino in March 2019 and has implemented a corporate “ALL-IN” initiative to support local charities and community organizations. All seventeen members of the Majestic Star Casino senior leadership team are involved with community associations and charitable organizations. Spectacle’s Director of Table Games Thomas Gutierrez and Director of Slots Christina Deleon selected the Boys & Girls Club because of the good work and the valuable service they provide.

Ground breaking on the newly approved Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is planned for January 9, 2020. The project is a joint venture between Spectacle Entertainment and Hard Rock International. The casino will be located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, with an expected opening in early 2021.

Jackson concluded, “We want to do more for this great city, in partnership with Spectacle Entertainment, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and Mayor Jerome Prince. We are here to talk about ways for better economic development and resources for families and our youth in Gary; how the Jacksons can help change the economic landscape of our birthplace; more jobs, more technology, better education, even music and art programs. And more importantly where our mother’s heart lies, in scholarship programs to create educational opportunities for our next generation. It’s great to be back to see what we can do together for the place our family will love forever.”