Susan Stern, Director of Sales, Hampton Inn Plantation, and our chapter’s Community Service Director, gave me all the inside scoop on what everyone agrees was the “best community service event the Southeast Florida chapter of HSMAI has ever held.”
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, we hosted a wonderful day at Jungle Island for 45 residents of the Hollywood and Pompano branches of the Broward Outreach Center (BOC). These residents included homeless mothers, fathers, their children, and several BOC staff members. Members of our chapter who attended were: Gail Spier, City & Shore Magazine; Sandy Edwards, Jungle Island; Stacie Faulds, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB; Ellen Serra, Comfort Inn & Suites; Richard Gonzalez, American Coach; Phyllis Festinger, HSMAI Executive Director and Donna McCarthy, Jungle Queen.
The day started out with perfect weather. Transportation was donated by Richard Gonzalez (American Coach). On the bus ride to the park, breakfast was provided courtesy of the Hampton Inn Plantation (Susan’s hotel). Donna McCarthy (Jungle Queen) and Clint Gordon (Blue Dolphin Hotel) each donated $250 towards expenses; our chapter donated $500; and Phyllis Festinger (our executive director) donated $100 for the bus driver. On behalf of the chapter, Susan thanks all of you for your contributions and your kindness and generosity.
She also wanted to offer special thanks to our hostess, Sandy Edwards of Jungle Island who provided free admission to the park, shows, tours, and lunch. The children as well as the adults were absolutely amazed at what they saw and experienced in this open zoo: tigers, monkeys, parrots, a petting zoo with llamas, lambs, kangaroos, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and more. There were even three shows with reptiles, birds, and the “Tale of the Tiger.”
Susan said that if you could have seen all the smiling faces on these kids, you would have been touched and deeply moved. It was such a learning experience for the children as well. On the way back to the Center, several of the BOC staff told Susan that this was the best day the kids had ever had – a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. They were so thankful. And a rewarding way for those of us in the hospitality industry to learn the true meaning of being hospitable!
P.S.Want to make donation to the Broward Outreach Center? Contact Francine Daley at 954-620-4038 for more information.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment