Concord Hospitality’s Annual Share Day Project Focuses on Devastated Families in Wake of Oklahoma Tornados
RALEIGH, N.C., June 12, 2013— Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation’s leading hotel developer/owner/operators, its affiliate hotels and Feed the Children (FTC), a non-profit, worldwide relief organization based in Oklahoma City, Okla., rallied once again for their fifth annual Share Day, volunteer event, organized in eight cities in the U.S. and Canada.
Share Day brings together some 400 hotel employees to distribute approximately 40 tons of donated food and sundries to needy families in the communities where Concord operates hotels. The donations provide non-perishable food and essentials like toilet paper and personal hygiene items sufficient to sustain a family of four for one week. In all, approximately 3,200 families were served.
Share Day is the culmination of year-long fundraising and community outreach events led by Concord associates across North America to fund the transportation of the food and sundries to the 8 distribution sites. Concord has donated nearly $300,000 since the inception of Share Day in 2009. This year, associates at 90 Concord affiliated hotels raised more than $65,000 to fund FTC transportation costs. The company also recently made an emergency $5,000 donation to assist with tornado relief in Oklahoma.
“When disasters like Hurricane Sandy and the recent tornadoes in FTC’s home state of Oklahoma strike, the devastating impact affecting thousands of families is top of mind for all of us,” said Mark G. Laport, president and CEO of Concord. “But, it’s important to remember that every day, in our own cities and neighborhoods, families still struggle with basic needs. Our year-round fundraising, culminating in a company-wide display of awareness and commitment, keeps us mindful of the need that constantly exists in our own back yards.”
“We sincerely appreciate Concord Hospitality and their employees for helping families in need and helping to spread awareness of childhood hunger across the country,” said Feed The Children president and CEO Kevin Hagan. “Efforts like these in the community will help to improve the quality of life for everyone.”
Concord Hospitality Share Day locations are:
• Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Springfield, Ohio
• Pittsburgh, Pa.
• Houston, Texas
• Oklahoma City, Okla.
• Raleigh, N.C.
• Saddle brook, N.J.
• Tampa Florida
About Feed The Children
Founded in 1979, Feed The Children’s mission is to provide hope and resources for those without life’s essentials. A BBB Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity, Feed The Children is one of the largest charities based in the U.S., providing more than 350,000 children around the world with a hot, nourishing meal every day. Here in the U.S., nearly 10 million people receive assistance each year from food and supplies distributed through over 1,200 local partner agencies. For more information, visit www.feedthechildren.org
About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh, N.C., manages over 90 hotels offering more than 12,650 guest rooms in 22 states and two Canadian provinces. The company operates hotels and resorts under such well-known industry elite brands as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, IHG and Choice Hotels, as well as select independent boutique hotels. Formed in 1985, Concord recently was listed as one of the nation’s top management companies in the nation by independent sources, 8 time recipient of Marriott’s elite Partnership Circle award, first time ever Marriott’s Spirit to Preserve Award and Developer of the year for Hyatt and Choice Hotels. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 100 top honors in the past two years alone. For more information, visit www.concordhotels.com.