Co-founders Frank Fertitta IV, VP of operations at Red Rock Resorts, and Landon Gyulay, principal at Troy Capital, are championing the more than 18.6 million military veterans in the U.S. through the Easy Day Foundation, a new Las Vegas-based nonprofit.
Easy Day Foundation founders Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay; PHOTO BY LOUIIE VICTA
Tell us about your new organization.
Frank Fertitta IV: We officially launched Easy Day Foundation with a kick-off event in May. We had members from our partner organizations there, including the USO, Folded Flag, Boot Campaign and UNLV’s Military and Veteran Services Center. The successful debut raised over $1.3 million for our partner charities, in addition to the $200,000 we already distributed to our beneficiaries earlier in the spring. We aim to provide a holistic, tailored approach for veterans who need help adjusting back to civilian life.
Why was this cause important to you?
FF IV: We were inspired to create Easy Day because we have a deep appreciation and respect for our nation’s veterans and for those who served. It’s the immense sacrifice made by these remarkable individuals that has fueled my passion to give back.
Landon Gyulay: My grandfather served as a pilot during World War II. My great admiration for him, coupled with a strong sense of civic duty, inspired me to co-found Easy Day with Frankie. For the organization’s name, we were inspired by the Navy SEAL’s motto, ‘The only easy day was yesterday.’ EDF’s goal is to ensure a future full of ‘easy days’ for the nation’s veterans.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
LG: We want Easy Day to be the nation’s next great veterans organization that has the longevity to be around the next 20, 30, 40 years. With our focus on mental health, job placement and family support services, we are confident that these areas of support will continue to create easier days for our nation’s veterans.
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