Hometown Hospitality Caring for Our Communities Corporate Outreach Program
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2016 – Inns have always served not only as havens for weary travelers, but also as centers of community life. At the local inn, business was done, information exchanged, meetings and celebrations held. From its inception, the U.S.-based hospitality management company, Benchmark Hospitality International, has honored this tradition, giving back to the communities in the 40 domestic and global destinations it serves.
Now, through its corporate outreach program, Hometown Hospitality Caring for Our Communities, Benchmark will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) in a nationwide initiative to support the nonprofit organization’s efforts to help children reach their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors. As part of the new partnership, Benchmark locations across the United States will provide in-kind contributions worth more than $100,000 to 19 BBBSA agencies in cities across the United States. These in-kind contributions will vary depending on the Benchmark property and the needs of the local agency, but may include vacation packages, gift certificates, or meeting space for local agencies and the children and families they serve.
Benchmark's Hometown Hospitality outreach program embodies the spirit of the company's core values and “Be The Difference” culture. Hometown Hospitality encourages and enables the company's employees to seek leading roles in their communities, participate in social, cultural, and educational initiatives driven by their property, and fully engage with partner organizations’ events and programs.
“Mentoring our employees and supporting their career development is a cornerstone of Benchmark’s culture, as is a commitment to responsible corporate citizenship,” says Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the oldest, largest and most important youth mentoring organizations in the United States, and their mission aligns very effectively with our own—to Be The Difference in all areas of life and living.” Mr. Cabañas also notes that Benchmark’s family-oriented culture and diverse workforce will bring added dimension and skills to the new partnership.
“We greatly value partners such as Benchmark Hospitality International that support our network and strongly believe in our mission,” says Pam Iorio, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “This partnership will help our affiliates focus their resources on helping match more children with strong adult mentors.”
