Industry\u2019s Top honor, North Star Award, introduced to Sandra Hudgins, Sonesta Select Chattanooga at Hamilton Place & President, CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Ballotti receives 2nd Annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
LOS ANGELES \u2013 The AHLA Foundation<\/strong> raised a document $1.2 million at its fifth annual gala to have a good time winners and up and coming hospitality tremendous stars, whereas elevating funds to help the AHLA Foundation applications which might be serving to the business recruit and retain the celebrities of tomorrow.<\/p>\n Each 12 months, the Night of a Thousand Stars gala celebrates the lodge business\u2019s most essential VIPs \u2013 the property-level expertise that makes the business so distinctive. Throughout the night, business leaders commemorated the 2023 Stars of the Industry Award winners and the people that embody the spirit of hospitality, whereas elevating important funds to help Foundation applications.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Night of a Thousand Stars Gala showcases the amazing and passionate women and men who make hotels feel like home and move our industry forward. So much of their work is behind the scenes, and this is a wonderful opportunity to give them the praise and recognition they deserve,\u201d<\/em> mentioned Anna Blue<\/strong>, President of the AHLA Foundation. \u201cThe overwhelming support the hotel industry\u2019s philanthropic arm received at this event will directly impact lives and the future of our industry for the better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n As a part of the celebration, President & CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Geoff Ballotti<\/strong> turned the second ever recipient of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award for his extraordinary efforts to advance constructive societal change.<\/p>\n \u201cGeoff \u2013 much like Arne \u2013 is a true embodiment of all the good that hospitality represents. His empathy, his accessibility and his commitment to doing the right thing is what makes him one of our industry\u2019s greatest leaders,\u201d<\/em> mentioned AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers<\/strong>. \u201cThe story of his success, from dishwasher to CEO of the world\u2019s largest hotel franchisor, is inspirational \u2013 as is his dedication to ensuring the success of future hotel leaders. I am lucky to call Geoff a colleague and friend, and it fills me with pride to honor him with this award.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The important funds raised assist Foundation beneficiaries akin to Asia Magee<\/strong>, a graduate of the Empowering Youth Program in collaboration with Caf\u00e9 Reconcile<\/strong>. Asia labored with Kimberly Chavis<\/strong>, a curriculum and coaching specialist at Caf\u00e9 Reconcile, who helped Asia along with her expertise coaching that she now applies to her lodge job. See her story right here.<\/p>\n Several business organizations had been additionally central to the night\u2019s success together with two presenting sponsors, Hilton<\/strong> and Qwick<\/strong>, who sponsored the occasion on the highest ranges.<\/p>\n \u201cHilton is proud to support the work the AHLA Foundation does to build careers, improve lives, and strengthen the lodging industry. Tonight\u2019s distinguished winners and finalists, including our very own Katie Ward, bring their passion for what they do to work each day and create unforgettable experiences for guests across the country. We are honored to be here tonight to celebrate these incredibly talented leaders,\u201d<\/em> mentioned Kevin Jacobs<\/strong>, CFO & President, Global Development, Hilton and Presenting Sponsor.<\/p>\n \u201cQwick and the AHLA Foundation have a shared vision to create a stronger industry workforce, which is why we are honored to again sponsor Night of a Thousand Stars. This important event not only provides the industry an opportunity to acknowledge those that make it great, but the funds raised help all of us to empower more people to work in hospitality,\u201d<\/em> mentioned Jamie Baxter<\/strong>, Co-Founder & CEO of Qwick and Presenting Sponsor.<\/p>\n The basis additionally introduced the return of The Shining Star Award \u2013 it honors an individual or group that has gone above and past to advance the Foundation\u2019s mission of serving to folks construct careers, enhance their lives, and strengthen the lodging business. The heroic employees of the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport obtained this award for his or her anti-human trafficking work.<\/p>\n AHLA\u2019s 2023 Stars of the Industry winners had been honored for his or her service to the business:<\/p>\n\n
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