Volunteer Program by The Moonridge Foundation, Moonrise Next Gen, El Cortez Hotel & Casino Aims to Bring Community Together to Support Local Non-Profits
Interested Community Members May Register to Volunteer Here
LAS VEGAS (May 2026) – The Moonridge Foundation, in partnership with Moonrise Next Gen and El Cortez Hotel & Casino, invites the Las Vegas community to take part in Downtown Cares, a volunteer initiative focused on strengthening and inspiring the communities within Downtown Las Vegas through hands-on service and meaningful connection. Taking place on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., this year’s event will benefit Nevada Youth Network, a downtown non-profit organization offering homework tutoring and extracurricular activities to the young residents of Sherman Gardens Annex.
Downtown Cares is currently seeking 100 volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help refresh and beautify the Nevada Youth Network Campus to create an even more welcoming space for the children and families the organization serves.
Moonrise Next Gen launched in 2022 in collaboration with members of Moonridge Group’s Greater Good Council and Nevada Corporate Giving Council, to galvanize the next generation of philanthropists to create a more vibrant community. Aiming to inspire and educate young leaders about strategic giving, the vision for Next Gen came from young philanthropists Jess Molasky, Christina Ellis and Dina Ciulla, who co-founded and fund the group.
For more than 10 years, the Downtown Cares project and El Cortez Hotel & Casino have provided a platform for volunteers to engage directly with non-profit organizations and see the impact of their work in real time. Past Downtown Cares nonprofit recipients include Boys & Girls Club, Noah’s Animal House, Shade Tree, Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Veterans Village, Catholic Charities and more.
“One of the most powerful aspects of the Downtown Cares program is seeing the impact of your work immediately,” said Jess Molasky, founder and co-chair, Moonrise Next Gen. “This day of volunteerism creates genuinely meaningful connections between our volunteers and the nonprofits served. Most importantly, it demonstrates in real time how bringing people together around shared purpose strengthens communities.
Nevada Youth Network is located at 910 N. Weaver Dr., Las Vegas, NV, 89106. Participants may volunteer as individuals, with friends or as part of a company team. To register, click here.
ABOUT THE MOONRIDGE FOUNDATION
The Moonridge Foundation (TMF) is dedicated to enhancing community philanthropy and volunteerism. Established by Moonridge Group in 2014, TMF serves as a donor-advised fund and fiscal sponsor and is a grant-making 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation.
