The Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock International, announced its “Stay Strong Jamaica” relief effort raised over $400,000 to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, the Category 5 storm that struck in October 2025, causing nearly $9 billion in damages and leaving thousands homeless. The Foundation’s donation was provided to support housing, infrastructure repair, and humanitarian aid through Jamaica’s Promise, a non-profit organization that provides resources and support needed by local organizations.
The “Stay Strong Jamaica” initiative brought together fundraising efforts by the company’s six Seminole Gaming locations in Florida, team members, guests and Hard Rock Heals Foundation leadership in a unified response to the storm’s devastating impact on the island. A special benefit concert held January 2, 2026 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood featured celebrated Jamaican artists Shaggy, Julian Marley, Inner Circle, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Etana, and more to honor Jamaica’s culture and the country’s resilience. Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming contributed $100,000 to Hard Rock Heals Foundation to support the relief efforts.
“With so many Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming team members from Jamaica—including more than 300 at our Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood property alone—this Hurricane Melissa relief effort was truly personal for us. From our team members to our guests, everyone came together with one goal: to help the people of Jamaica recover and rebuild,” said David Hoenemeyer, COO of Seminole Gaming.
“Jamaica is deeply grateful to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming and their team members and guests for their generosity and commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. This major contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Jamaicans who lost so much to Hurricane Melissa, and with partners like Hard Rock Heals Foundation standing with us, we know Jamaica will rebuild stronger than ever,” said Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.
“We are proud to partner with the Hard Rock Heals Foundation on this important relief effort and are deeply encouraged by the more than $400,000 raised to support Jamaica’s recovery,” said Chris Benjamin, Board Member of Jamaica’s Promise. “These funds will be directed to national recovery initiatives through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), helping to ensure timely and meaningful support reaches those most impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This collaboration reflects the power of partnership in helping communities rebuild and move forward.”
Hoenemeyer made a ceremonial check presentation on behalf of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation to Chris Benjamin, Board Member and Director of Jamaica’s Promise on March 20, 2026 joined by the honorable Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange and Oliver Mair Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.
Funds raised through the “Stay Strong Jamaica” initiative will support recovery efforts coordinated in partnership with Jamaica’s Promise, with proceeds benefiting national relief and rebuilding initiatives.
