CHOC Donates $5,000 to AH&LEF Annual Giving Campaign
JULY 27, 2009 - The Choice Hotels Owners Council (CHOC) has donated $5,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation's (AH&LEF) 2009 Annual Giving Campaign, the primary vehicle supporting innovative research, scholarship, and workforce development initiatives for the hospitality industry.
CHOC is comprised of more than 3,500 mid-priced properties open and under development, including Ascend, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion Inn, and Mainstay Suites, and this is their second donation at the six diamond level.
The Annual Giving Campaign is AH&LEF's key yearly fundraising initiative, supporting its core missions of providing scholarships to hospitality management students; funding important research in areas such as room tax and ADA requirements; as well as promoting hospitality as a career of choice and workforce development initiatives. It is supported solely by donations from industry leaders and companies.
AH&LEF is the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). In 2009, AH&LEF will disburse nearly $1.3 million to prepare promising college students for a career in hospitality; attract and retain quality industry professionals; and fund valuable research for lodging properties. Since the Foundation's inception, more than $12.5 million has been disbursed through its scholarship, education, outreach, and research programs.
'With much of the industry focusing on the negative impact of the current economic state, it is a welcome reprieve to know that the Foundation continues to have the support of an influential and committed group of hoteliers,' said Joori Jeon, CPA, CAE, AH&LEF president/COO. 'It is clear that CHOC recognizes the significance of supporting the industry.'
'The Choice Hotels Owners Council feels it is extremely important to effectively prepare individuals in the hospitality industry in all arenas, especially that of customer service,' said Todd Winkler, CHOC chairman. 'Our donation shows our brands' commitment to furthering in others the ideal of professionalism that Choice owners embody.'
All AH&LEF contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about donating, contact Michelle Poinelli, senior vice president of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3181 or givingcampaigns@ahlef.org, or visit www.ahlef.org.
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