Community
Community
National Harbor and the Peterson Companies have a long standing commitment to giving back. Learn more about the diverse programs and initiatives National Harbor and our partners establish and support within our community.
Veterans Day
National Harbor celebrated Veterans Day and honored the Check-6 Foundation at Spirit Park on November 11, 2023. The park, which opened the previous year on Veterans Day, serves as a tribute to the history of the American flag and those who embody its values—veterans, first responders, public servants, and Americans nationwide.
The day kicked off at Spirit Park, with a walk/run benefiting The Check-6 Foundation. Founded in 2004, The Check-6 Foundation has provided invaluable support to countless veterans, offering financial assistance, medical care, employment opportunities, and more. Additionally, the foundation continues to uplift children battling serious illnesses and their families through its nationwide Pilot for a Day Program.
National Harbor actively contributes to the Pilot for a Day Program in conjunction with Andrew Air Force Base and the Prince George's County Police Department hosting multiple participating families throughout the year as the host location for the recipient's activities.
It was a day filled with gratitude and reverence as National Harbor honored those who have served and sacrificed for our country along with the families that benefit from the important work done by The Check-6 Foundation.
Burger Week Benefiting Real Food For Kids
National Harbor's 2023 Burger Week, which ran from September 18th to September 24th, saw enthusiastic participation from our community. During this event, National Harbor restaurants offered enticing $15 burger specials, with one dollar from each burger purchase going to Real Food for Kids, a regional nonprofit dedicated to promoting nutritious school meals and supporting families dealing with food insecurity.
Thanks to the generous support of our patrons, Burger Week resulted in a $1,000 donation to Real Food for Kids. We're proud to have contributed to such a worthy cause while celebrating National Harbor's 15th anniversary in style.
Throughout the week, diners had the opportunity to indulge in mouthwatering specials from various restaurants, including Fiorella Italian Kitchen, BurgerFi, Sauciety, Rosa Mexicano, Bobby McKey's, Public House, Tom’s Watch Bar, and Brother Jimmy's. Additionally, participants enjoyed discounts at The Capital Wheel and explored unique hamburger seasonings at Pepper Palace.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for Burger Week and helped make this donation possible. Your support truly makes a difference in our community.
Peterson Companies Day of Service 2023
On Friday, June 9th, employees of Peterson Companies (the developer and management company of National Harbor), along with partners from Multicorp, Corporate Cleaning Solutions, Complete Landscaping, and Tolin Mechanical, came together to volunteer at United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP). Throughout the day, we dedicated our time to landscaping, painting, cleaning, and electrical work. UCAP is committed to supporting individuals and families whose lives have been adversely affected by poverty, unemployment, homelessness, crime, and inadequate public health services in Prince George's County, Maryland. Their programs and services serve as a catalyst for positive change in the community.
We're excited to continue our partnership with UCAP and encourage you to consider ways you can also get involved. Whether it's donating furniture during a remodel, contributing to a food drive, or participating in team-building volunteer activities, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference. We're here to facilitate connections with the right resources and organizations.
A special thank you to Nando's for generously providing lunch for our volunteers! Together, we're making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Visit https://www.ucappgc.org/ to learn more about UCAP and how you can contribute to their vital work.
Tanger National Harbor takes great pride in their role of supporting teachers and helping students succeed.
Through the TangerKids Grant program teachers and leaders in education are invited to request funding to help enhance programs and better serve students in our community. From modernizing literature and libraries, to purchasing adaptive and more inclusive equipment, the grants awarded through the TangerKids Grant Program allows students and teachers access to the resources needed to succeed in today’s classroom.
As a part of their continued commitment to support education and invest in our local communities, Tanger awarded 142 TangerKids grants to educators across the country in 2023. To celebrate, Tanger National Harbor presented checks to local grant recipients Crossland High School and Alexandria City High School.
Bombay Street Food Gives Back
Bombay Street Food at National Harbor is deeply rooted in community outreach and giving back. Throughout the summer of 2023, they had the privilege of feeding over 300 individuals at Prince George's County shelters, United Communities Against Poverty, as well as local police and fire departments. Their commitment didn't stop there; they planned to continue these efforts on a monthly basis, striving to make a meaningful impact where it's needed most. Bombay Street Food's philosophy is simple yet powerful: nobody should ever go to sleep hungry. In late August 2023, Arjun and two other cooks headed to Maui, where they rented a food truck to provide meals for fire victims and first responders battling the aftermath of the local wildfires. This experience underscores their unwavering dedication to serving those in need, both locally and beyond.
Silver Diner Making an Impact
National Harbor's new restaurant, Silver Diner, has teamed up with the non-profit Real Food for Kids to make an impact on school-age children in Prince George's County. Together, they're on a mission to promote health and wellness by providing nourishing meals and produce bags to local schools. The organization also sponsors culinary programs in high schools and middle schools throughout the county and has welcomed Silver Diner's Chef Ype to serve as a mentor for students this year.
National Harbor Supports Employ Prince George’s
National Harbor proudly partnered with Employ Prince George’s COVID-19 Employee Relief Fund to help provide immediate cash assistance to county residents directly affected by the pandemic. The group distributed $40,000 worth of EPG cash cards at National Harbor to 200 pre-approved applicants as well as goody bags featuring Capital Wheel tickets and local treats. #PGCProud
MGM National Harbor Donates Food to Local Non-Profit
Days after temporarily shutting its doors, MGM National Harbor donated 55,000 pounds of food to local organizations in need. Non-profit Nourish Now worked with community partner Simply Fresh Events to produce and deliver more than 45,000 meals. All were made available to Maryland residents recently impacted by the new coronavirus. “This unprecedented climate has paralyzed communities locally and nationally and there is no greater time than now to exercise the meaning of community,” said Melonie Johnson, president and COO of MGM National Harbor, in a release. “Partners like Nourish Now extend deep into the community and providing local families with access to healthy meals is more significant than ever.”
Celebrating the One Year Anniversary with the 50 Million Mussel Project
In honor of Earth Day 2020, our partners at the Potomac Riverkeeper Network checked in on our freshwater mussel hatchery at the National Harbor Marina. Installed a year prior, the freshwater mussels act as filtration feeders working to constantly clean the waterways they inhabit. The program has the ambitious goal of yielding 50 million mussels that with stretch the length of the Potomac River by 2030. The community will be invited back in the fall for an in-person reveal and have the chance to build habitat baskets for the matured mussels.
Your Neighbor. Your Community. Your Harbor
National Harbor Supports Conservation Efforts in Smoots Bay
National Harbor and Peterson Management supports conversation and are proud to back several environmental projects in the Potomac River’s Smoots Bay. In conjunction with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Potomac Riverkeepers the artificial reef ball project was conceptualized to restore the bay as a prime largemouth bass environment. The group constructed and installed 80 artificial reefs in the bay in 2016 that create a healthier environment for bass to reproduce and thrive in the river. The same task force partnered on a freshwater mussel hatchery program in 2019 with the ambitious goal of yielding 50 million mussels to stretch the length of the Potomac River. These freshwater mussels act as filtration feeders working constantly to clean the waterways they inhabit. Both projects continue to thrive and support the clean-up efforts of the Potomac River.
American Job Center to Open in 2020
Tanger Outlets, Prince George’s County Department of Labor and the Peterson Companies, the developer of National Harbor, have joined forces to welcome a new American Job Center. Opening in January 2020, the new site will be the first American Job Center in southern Prince George’s County, and will serve 3,000 to 7,000 job seekers and more than 200 business in the area. The new center will provide a full range of services to county residents, such as career exploration, training programs, resume preparation and workshops that will enhance job seeking skills and work readiness all benefiting workers and consumers in the area.
National Harbor Honors Veterans with Unveiling of New Sculpture
National Harbor has a longtime commitment to the military and to honor those who have served commissioned a sculpture honoring the five branches of the United States’ military. The piece was unveiled during a 2018 Veteran’s Day celebration by Milt Peterson, principal and chairman of the Peterson Companies and National Harbor developer as well as five-time Virginia U.S. Senator John Warner, who served during World War II and Korea. The pair welcomed a group of active and former military members and their families to the celebration. The piece created by Brooklyn-based artist Ivan Schwartz is now a part of the permanent outdoor art collection that has been curated at National Harbor since its inception. Situated at the start of the property’s street aptly named American Way, the sculpture is positioned for the perfect photo opportunity with a National Harbor sign and American Flag as a backdrop.
National Harbor Partners with the Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Peterson Companies and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network have partnered together to monitor and improve the water quality of the Potomac River. Enacting a citizen science water quality monitoring program, samples will be analyzed on-site at the organization’s new floating laboratory, the Seadog. Thanks to the Peterson Family the 42-foot Chesapeake Deadrise vessel will be docked at the National Harbor Marina allowing easy access for patrolling the river. To enhance efforts, monthly volunteer cleanups along the National Harbor shoreline were launched in the spring of 2019. The goal of these cleanups was to raise awareness of how individuals can contribute to reducing waste in our area and empower local citizens to take a role in the stewardship of their communities. Stay tuned for volunteer clean-up opportunities in 2020 between April – October.
Make-A-Wish Kids Benefit from National Harbor Burger Week
In the fall of 2019, National Harbor held its first Burger Week in partnership with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. Ten restaurants participated with off menu, chef created burgers as well as Harbor classics for $10. Guests enjoyed the variety of delicious burgers while helping out a great local cause with a portion of the proceeds going to grant WISHES for children with critical illnesses. National Harbor was proud to partner with the organization and looks forward to amplifying the program in 2020.
Community Coat Drive at National Harbor
Jennifer Moss, Property Manager with the Peterson Companies partnered with Corporal C. Charles with Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division and the community to hold a coat drive in National Harbor. The group collected new and gently used coats for children enrolled in the McKinney-Vento Program with Prince Georges County Public Schools. MVP provides services for children living in a shelter, motel, vehicle, on the street, or doubled up with family or friends. In addition to collecting 27 new and gently used coats, The Peterson Companies wanted to contribute further and purchased $1,000 worth of coats from Columbia Factory Store at Tanger Outlets National Harbor. The Store Manager, Cody Palmen, also wanted to contribute further and generously provided additional discounts allowing more coats to be purchased. In total, The Peterson Companies, Maryland-National Park Police and the community were able to provide 44 coats to children in the McKinney-Vento Program. We believe this is an important cause and we will continue to look at additional ways to work with the police and help support our community.
National Harbor Welcomes Home Army Captain
National Harbor was proud to provide a welcome home one family would never forget. Army Captain Justin Brown grew up in Prince George’s County and National Harbor provided the perfect venue to surprise his friends and family after a 10 month deployment. Making his grand entrance with a County Police escort, Captain Brown greeted his unsuspecting family in front of a crowd of bystanders. Tears and laughter greeted the family with the entire community taking part in the celebration. Welcome home Captain Brown and thank you for you and your family’s service!
Tanger Outlets National Harbor Supports Battle Against Breast Cancer
Tanger Outlet Centers nationwide lead the way in the battle against breast cancer each fall with the Pink STYLE campaign. Tanger has a history of making a difference in the communities it serves across the country and we certainly will not stop until the battle is won. Since 1994, Tanger Outlet Centers have contributed in excess of $17 million to help create awareness for the importance of early detection, to support educational programs to improve the quality of life for patients and families and most importantly to help fund research necessary to find prevention and a cure for breast cancer. The Pink Cards serve as our primary fundraising tool starting at the end of September each year through October, and are sold for $10 for an unlimited use card. Each PinkSTYLE Savings Pass is redeemable at participating stores at Tanger Outlets across the country and in Canada for 25% OFF of one single item at a single store. All proceeds from Pink Card sales will be donated to a designated breast cancer awareness beneficiary organization in each Tanger Outlet market and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In National Harbor, we are proud to have supported Doctors Community Hospital and Hope Connections for Cancer Support with our location donations.
TangerKIDS GRANTS
Each Tanger Outlet Center takes pride in being part of the community it serves and supporting the education of our country’s youth. The TangerKIDS Grants program is designed to assist schools in our primary markets by providing grants for special projects, needed programs or equipment. Grants can also support groups within the school like the band or sports teams. The program is open to public and private schools of all grade levels from pre-K to grade 12. Support will be considered for programs/projects conducted in the communities where Tanger Outlet Centers have a business presence and employee base. Tanger has earmarked $1.00 of every coupon book sold to the TangerKIDS Grants program.
Tanger Outlets National Harbor — Stanley’s Samaritans Volunteer Day
Tanger Outlet Centers supports the communities we serve and encourages all employees, each year, to get involved and donate their time and service to those in need. Our founder, Stanley K. Tanger (1923-2010), was a well-known philanthropist who recognized the importance of the company being socially responsible as well. In his honor, “Stanley’s Samaritans” was formed and during the month of April, special volunteer days are set aside and Tanger employees are encouraged to team-up and make a difference. In 2019 the Tanger Outlets, National Harbor team volunteered with the Accokeek Foundation’s efforts cleaning their shoreline along the Potomac River by spending a morning picking up trash and debris.
Walrus Oyster & Ale House makes the list of the top 10 restaurants with the most recycled bushels in 2019!
The Oyster Recovery Partnership’s shell recycling program collected 36,000 bushels of oyster shells from hundreds of seafood businesses throughout the Chesapeake Bay in 2019.
“This year we celebrate a decade-long partnership with local businesses dedicated to Chesapeake Bay stewardship and the conservation of our cherished oyster,” said ORP Executive Director Ward Slacum. “Thanks to their steadfast support, the Shell Recycling Alliance has 340 members supplying enough shell to rebuild hundreds of acres of oyster reef annually.”
Since the Shell Recycling Alliance’s launch in 2010, ORP has reclaimed 213,000 bushels of shell, which equates to 7,400 tons kept out of area landfills, approximately $350,000 saved by local businesses in waste collection fees, and enough substrate to support the planting of 1 billion spat on shell in local waters. The program is the nation’s largest shell recycling network with approximately 340 member businesses.
