COLLEGE STATION

JUNE 7-10, 2012

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Best Western Premier – College Station

Rooms: 2 Queen Beds ($109.99 + tax), King + Sleeper Sofa ($109.99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/24/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 731-5300 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Four Points by Sheraton College Station

Rooms: 2 Queen Beds ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/25/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (979) 693-1741 or Click Here 

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Howard Johnson College Station

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($85 + tax), 2 Double Beds + sleeper sofa ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/18/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 693-6810 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Knights Inn College Station

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($85 + tax) or 2 Double Beds + Sleeper Sofa ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/18/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 691-6300 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.

PEARLAND

JUNE 21-24, 2012

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Courtyard by Marriott – Pearland

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/31/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (800) 321-2211 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hilton Garden Inn – Pearland Conference Center

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($89.99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/21/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (713) 340-0110 or Click Here and input Group Code: “GAS”

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Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Pearland

Rooms:  2 Double Beds or 2 Double Beds + Sleeper Sofa or King Bed + Sleeper Sofa (all room types $99 + tax) – limited availability 

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/21/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (281) 997-2600 or CLICK HERE and input Group Code “GAS”

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Holiday Inn Express Houston South – Pearland

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/7/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (713) 434-7373 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Courtyard by Marriott Houston Hobby Airport

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($92 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/31/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (800) 321-2211 or CLICK HERE and enter the Group Code “gasgasb”

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Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($69+ tax) or King plus Sleeper Sofa ($69+ tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/8/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (713) 641-6400 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Marriott South – Houston Hobby Airport

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/7/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (713) 943-7979 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.

LEWISVILLE

JULY 18-22, 2012

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Courtyard by Marriott Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($94 + tax)  or  King Bed w/ Sleeper Sofa ($89 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/27/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 316-3100 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Fairfield Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/29/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 899-6900 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hampton Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($81 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/27/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 315-3200 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hilton Garden Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($89 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  7/4/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 459-4600 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Holiday Inn Express Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/27/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (972) 459-8000 and reference “Great American Shootout” or Click Here and input Group Code: “SHO”

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Towneplace Suites Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($94 + tax)  or  King Bed w/ Sleeper Sofa ($84 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  7/5/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 459-1275 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.

LEWISVILLE

May 25-28, 2012

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Courtyard by Marriott Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($94 + tax)  or  King Bed w/ Sleeper Sofa ($89 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/9/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 316-3100 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Fairfield Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/2/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 899-6900 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hampton Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/4/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 315-3200 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hilton Garden Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($89 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/11/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 459-4600 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Holiday Inn Express Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/4/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (972) 459-8000 or Click Here and input Group Code: “GAS“

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Towneplace Suites Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($94 + tax)  or  King Bed w/ Sleeper Sofa ($84 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/10/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 459-1275 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Fairfield Inn Grapevine

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($99 + tax) or 2 Double Beds ($99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  4/30/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 304-9611 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Homewood Suites Grapevine

Rooms:  Queen w/ Sleeper Sofa ($119 + tax)  or  King w/ Sleeper Sofa ($119 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  4/30/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 691-2427 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

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Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.

In partnership with Great American Shootout, Hotels for Hope has negotiated discounted rates for incoming teams and guests.  To secure reservations simply contact the property(s) and reference the “Great American Shootout.”

Each room night generates a $2 donation towards Special Olympics.  To learn more, Click Here.

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TOURNAMENTS

click on the following dates to view discounted hotel rates

May 25-28, 2012 – Lewisville

June 7-10, 2012 – College Station

June 21-24, 2012 – Pearland

July 18-22, 2012 – Lewisville

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Who We Are: 

Hotels for Hope is a growing social enterprise that embraces hospitality and conscious business practices to provide a unique work environment.  Our Crew has a culture of entrepreneurialism, success, dedication to our industry, great work-life balance and a thirst to “think outside the box”.  At Hotels for Hope, it’s every Crew member’s goal to far surpass expectations in customer service.  Every day, we connect hotel guests with a measurable way to increase their philanthropic footprint.

Do you want to work for a fast pace social enterprise?

Do you have a background in the hotel industry?

Have you always wanted a better work-life balance?

Hotels for Hope started in April of 2010 with a staff of three (3) people.  Since then, our Crew has grown to nine (9) people spread throughout the United States.  We have strategically aligned with lifestyle brands such as LIVESTRONG, Sweet Leaf Tea, Special Olympics and Formula 1. At Hotels for Hope, our clients create social change through the simple act of booking hotel rooms.  Each of Hotels for Hope’s contracted hotels is asked to include a $1 charitable contribution, which Hotels for Hope then matches, dollar for dollar. In short, each room night generates $2 for the Hotels for Hope fund.

Job Description:

Basic Function:  The Customer Service Manager is to provide assistance with customer facing interactions including call center, email, online chat and other facets that require client and hotel demand.

Job Responsibilities:

-          Provide timely and friendly service to any/all customers

-          Call Center:  Customers call our call center to secure hotel reservations for dozens of different events.

-          Online Chat:  Customers visit our website, and branded booking portals, to secure hotel reservations and book blocks of rooms.

-          Ensure guests select the right hotel(s), at the right price(s) for their varying events.

-          Fully understand the capabilities of our online booking portals.

-          Create detailed reports to assess trends and history within our events

-          Understand and convey the business model of Hotels for Hope and how each room night makes a difference

-          Grow the “social” outreach of Hotels for Hope

-          Communicate proper information to Hotels for Hope Crew members

-          Take on new tasks/ideas as the company continues to grow

Job Requirements:

College degree / A minimum of six (6) months hotel experience (preferably in sales, reservations or front desk) / Excellent oral and communication skills / Ability to work from home and maintain communication with a virtual team / Great computer skills (preferably with web based CRM platforms and Microsoft Excel) / Ability to work in entrepreneurial environment and participate with team in bringing new ideas to the table.

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More and more, companies are building long-term commitments to corporate social responsibility. In 2012 the rise in consumer activism and mobility, the Occupy movement, 24-hour accountability (thanks to social media), and global resource depletion will force every enterprise, large and small, to make CSR a focal point. Four particular areas stand out among many.

Employee Engagement: There will be a continued growth in employee-engagement programs. If the economy continues to falter, we will see more corporations supporting NGOs and nonprofits via employee volunteer programs, rather than just writing checks. A recent sustainability study by Green Research found that 80% of major corporations are planning to invest significantly in employee engagement in 2012. According to Gallup, 86% of engaged employees say they very often feel happy at work, compared to 11% of the disengaged. Additionally, companies with highest levels of employee engagement saw increases in their bottom line: On average they improved 19.2% in operating income, while companies with lower levels declined 32.7% (Towers Watson). Engaged organizations also grew profits as much as three times faster than their competitors. The Corporate Leadership Council reports that highly engaged organizations have the potential to reduce staff turnover by 87% and improve performance by 20%.

Cause-Marketing: Cause-marketing programs will multiply. These programs are created when a for-profit and nonprofit partner to drive revenues, exposure, and fundraising dollars to the non-profit’s cause. Why will these programs continue to appeal to corporations this year? Cause-marketing provides businesses with legitimacy, along with a partner that has issue expertise. If done authentically, such programs can enhance a firm’s reputation in the eyes of stakeholders, leading to public good, the viral sharing of information and potentially increased revenues. Marketing experts agree. According to a PRWeek/Barkely PR Cause Survey in 2010, two-thirds of brands now engage in cause marketing, up from 58% in 2009. The same survey found that 97% of marketing executives believe this to be a valid business strategy.

The Skeptical Consumer: As social media platforms continue to grow beyond their pre-teen years (Twitter was only being used by 12-14 percent of the population in early 2011), consumers will demand more transparency from corporations and nonprofits. My firm, Fenton, along with GlobeScanconducted a survey this year, and one of the most telling insights was the call for nonprofits and NGOs to engage directly with their donors and stakeholders. Additionally, smarter consumers now have online tools (BrandKarma, GoodGuide, Positive Luxury, and more) to help them interact directly with organizations, track corporate practices, and share their demands in real-time with marketers. Those companies and nonprofits that invest in engaging with such consumers will reap benefits.

Board-Level Involvement: With regards to board oversight in CSR, the informed investor evaluates risk, return potential and financial performance while incorporating environmental, social and governance into his/her analysis. According to Fay Feeney, CEO of Risk for Good, “Boardrooms will see CSR issues presented to them in many ways: reputations risks, ESG proxy, political spending, hydraulic fracturing, natural resource management, supply chain, board diversity and more. Those boards that close the focus gap on CSR will bring strategic insights to their CEOs.”

In 2011, The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Public Company Governance Survey asked about the highest priorities for the board. The highest priority at 72% was strategic planning and oversight and amongst the lowest was CSR at 2%. The data suggests that boards will be playing catch up in 2012 on CSR as it is integrated into strategic planning.

Also 2012 will see some CSR issues that became part of the mainstream conversation in 2011 escalate in interest. For example we’ll see an increased focus on conflict minerals, as global smart phone sales continue to grow exponentially and the expected passing of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires publicly-traded companies to disclose where their minerals come from. Additionally, given the complexity of global supply chains, we’ll witness continued discussion around the prevention of human trafficking and slavery intersection. There will undoubtedly be further discussion, debate and action on these controversial topics.

Twenty years ago, CSR was limited to corporate philanthropy and for some businesses, the adherence to environmental legislation. What we see today is a far more complex picture and an ever-widening stakeholder universe. I predict that within the next few years, CSR will be a requirement for all organizations and will positively affect their bottom lines. Good business will be the norm.

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So, you want to create social change by starting something new — that’s quite a noble goal. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Social entrepreneurship is the act of recognizing a social problem and innovating a solution using entrepreneurial principles. While business entrepreneurs seek profits and returns, social entrepreneurs measure their successes in social or environmental change.

If you’re hoping to start a movement capable of creating real impact, we’ve rounded up some essential tips for you. We spoke with social good entrepreneurs who shared their innovation experiences. Even startups that do not focus exclusively on creating change can learn from these lessons, as most consumers now consider the environmental and social impact of their purchases.

“We’re moving in a direction where being a social entrepreneur is going to be the norm,” says Harrison Miller, director of community engagement for cause shopping channel Recoup. “Responsible business will be demanded by the people, and white-collar finance types won’t be the norm.”

Take a look through these four essential ingredients to being a successful social entrepreneur. Do you know of any other keys to success? Share your ideas in the comments.

1. Identify a Problem That Needs Fixing

 

Unlike conventional startups, social entrepreneurs begin with an issue that needs solving. Jeff Miller, CEO of car-sharing service Wheelz, wanted to do something to reduce energy emissions.

“Cars are parked all the time — 23 out of 24 hours of the day, on average,” Jeff Miller says. “That’s a pretty significant burden on the planet and people’s pocket books, so I sought out to try and solve that problem. ”

The nascent startup provides car-owning college students — who are often in need of extra cash — a way to rent out their cars for short periods of time. Then, those in need of transportation can put sedentary cars to use. The communal transition towards car-sharing reduces the need for vehicle ownership and encourages carpooling.

2. Obsess Over the Consumer Experience

 

No matter how much your startup gives back to important causes, user experience is incredibly important. While customers may be willing to raise their price point for a more eco-friendly product, you still need to deliver something great.

“A major part of our success if that we have great deals,” says Ron Sapp, CEO of Sharing Spree. “You’re not going to see 50% of paper shredding.”

Sharing Spree, a deal site that donates up to 15% of each purchase to local non-profits or schools of your choosing, targets suburban women. In the current economic downturn, many women cannot afford luxuries, such as pedicures or sushi lunches, so the website provides deals with a social good component. The website succeeds at donating to local charities because it provides unmatched deals that drum up plenty of business from interested users.

Jeff Miller adds that Wheelz has grown so much because, as a company, it’s constantly open to feedback.

“Put yourself into your customer’s shoes at every turn and make yourself available to feedback whenever possible,” Jeff Miller says. “That not only means being in receive mode for feedback, but identifying what your costumers will want before they’ve even realized that they want it.”

Unlike some other car-sharing services that have limited car pick-up locations and require 24-hour notice for rentals, Wheelz customers use a mobile app to locate the nearest car to them, with as little as ten minutes notice.

3. Leverage the Power of Social

 

Once you have that great product (or deal, in Recoup’s case), Harrison Miller says social media will spread your cause naturally.

“Someone’s motivation to share something is purely because ‘I think my friends will really like this deal,’” he says. “When there’s the cause behind it — even if it’s something I wouldn’t share typically — the fact that everything sold will support kids with cancer, makes me say ‘What the hell, it’s one click.’”

Miller attributes the camaraderie between social entrepreneurs and individuals interested in creating change for social good for making it easy to find new partners and adopters for Recoup. He says the success of the company’s business model relies on the customers to be its marketers.

“When causes are involved, people will change their brand preference and increase their price resistance,” he adds.

4. Make Sure Green Meets Green

No matter how great your product, you need to make sure you’re providing something people want to spend their money on. Jeff Miller says a New York taxi operator once summed it up perfectly for him: If you find a place where green (for the planet) meets green (for the wallet), everyone will win.

“If you only have something good for the planet, but it’s not economical, you’re swimming upstream,” he says. “You need to find a product that stands on its own two legs without the social benefit.”

Thank you for your commitment to the 2011 Happy Valley Hotels for Hope Weekend.

With great pride, State College area hotels have embraced a commitment to community and actively support Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.  This graduation weekend as students, parents and alumni descend upon State College we look to bring attention to RAINN’s important work. As a group, we do not condone the events surrounding the current scandal; instead, we move forward with knowledge and a desire to highlight the power of a community.

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WE ARE… 

Committed to the Following Action:

December 15th – 18th, 2011

- Over Penn State Graduation Weekend, participating hotels will donate $1 per occupied room night

- Hotels will provide incoming travelers with information about sexual assault and RAINN’s outreach

- Donations will go directly to support RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

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We encourage guests to make an additional contribution by clicking the following link:

To learn more about RAINN, please CLICK HERE

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Participating Hotels:

Atherton Hotel

Carnegie House Boutique Hotel

 Comfort Suites State College 

Country Inn & Suites State College

Courtyard by Marriott State College

Days Inn Penn State

Fairfield Inn & Suites State College

Hampton Inn & Suites at Williamsburg Square

Hampton Inn State College

Hilton Garden Inn State College

Holiday Inn Express at Williamsburg Square

Limestone Inn B&B

Nittany Budget Motel

Nittany Lion Inn

Quality Inn State College

Ramada Conference Center

Residence Inn by Marriott State College

Reynolds Mansion

Sleep Inn State College

Springhill Suites by Marriott State College

Super 8 State College Inn

Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center

The Penn Stater

The Queen, A Victorian Bed & Breakfast

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General/Media Questions:

Neil Goldman, Hotels for Hope - neil@hotelsforhope.org

Ashley Bowersox. HFL Hotels - abowersox@hfl-hotels.com

(Press Release)

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Special Thanks to:

Jean Gray (PSU Undergrad) – Designer of the “Happy Valley Hotels for Hope Weekend” Logo

MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced a partnership with Good360 to connect hotels donating high-quality used goods to charitable organizations that can repurpose and serve needs within their communities.

“Our partnership with Good360 is the critical link we’ve been looking for,” said Jennifer Silberman, vice president, corporate responsibility for Hilton Worldwide. “Many of our hotels have been donating for some time, and we are excited to watch how this partnership will enable more donations by connecting hotels with a greater number of organizations to support communities in need and providing resources to facilitate their donations.”

Routinely, properties have items such as towels, blankets or office supplies that are recovered through renovation and events, or, simply reached the end of their commercial service life, but are still reusable. Before now, it has been difficult for hotels to execute relationships with existing charitable partners on a consistent basis due to time, resource or legal constraints.

In 2010, over 1,300 Hilton Worldwide properties donated physical goods to charitable and community organizations. This figure will continue to increase in coming years as hotels utilize the Good360 partnership and manage donations more efficiently using LightStay.

Good360, previously known as Gifts In Kind International, is a pioneer in the product giving space with recognition by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s most efficient charities. In three decades of service, Good360 has distributed nearly $7 billion in product donations to thousands of organizations serving a wide spectrum of people in need. Good360 is developing the world’s largest online product donation marketplace, where product donations from America’s top brands and retailers become goods for the greater good.

“Thanks to donors like Hilton Worldwide, Good360 is able to get essential products into the hands of those who need them most,” said Cindy Hallberlin, CEO and president of Good360. “When nonprofits receive product donations, they are able to stretch their budget further and focus more time on their mission.”

This is the latest in Hilton Worldwide’s commitment to repurpose used goods for community needs. Earlier this month, Hilton Worldwide announced a partnership with the Global Soap Project to recycle soap across its more than 3,750 hotels globally and leverage its global supply chain and expertise to assist with the influx of soap the nonprofit will receive. The company also will invest $1.3 million over three years to expand its infrastructure.

Hilton Worldwide is the first major multi-brand hospitality company to make sustainability measurement a brand standard and recently earned ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications for quality and environmental management – one of the largest volume certifications awarded for commercial buildings. As part of that standard, Hilton Worldwide-branded properties commit to continuous improvements to their overall sustainability results each year. In 2010 alone, the company saved more than $74 million in utility costs through a 6.6 percent reduction of energy use; 7.8 percent reduction of carbon output; 19 percent reduction of waste output; and 3.8 percent reduction of water use. Hilton Worldwide’s global giving is currently focused on creating vibrant and sustainable communities wherever we operate.

Hilton Worldwide was awarded the Global Vision Award by Travel & Leisure and the Extra Mile Award by Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazines. Most recently, the company was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership as one of the top 10 purchasers of green power.

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Originally posted on Good360.org