FREEPORT, MAINE—Maine Innkeepers across the state are slashing their rates in half this spring to support “Hospitality for Habitat”, a program which raises funds for Habitat for Humanity projects in Maine, announced Greg Dugal, Executive Director of The Maine Innkeeper’s Association. (MEIA)
This year participating MEIA members hope to entice visitors to their properties with half price discounted rates offered between May 1 to 23. In exchange for the deep discount, guests agree to donate $35 to Habitat for Humanity.
Sponsored by MEIA, Hospitality for Habitat was initiated in 2004 and has been successful in raising money for the Maine chapters of the national organization. It is the only Habitat for Humanity program in the state where chapters work together and share funds.
The Portland chapter used the funds they received from Hospitality for Habitat to help construct a house for a Yarmouth family, Stacey Cogswell and her two daughters. Stacey worked with a construction crew of women, part of Habitat’s National “Women Build” program, to complete her home which was turned over to her at a dedication on January 29.
“Being present at the dedication and watching Stacey and her family take over their house made me realize what an enormous change in someone’s life every completed home makes,” said Matt Mattingly, MEIA board member and innkeeper at Pine Crest Inn.
More Than $6,000 Raised in 2007
Every year MEIA has increased its donation to Hospitality for Habitat, and in 2007 thirty-one participating properties raised $6,240.
“The program has been embraced by innkeepers because it relates perfectly to the hospitality industry,” Dugal said. “The support and enthusiasm from our members for this program is inspirational and I’m sure we’ll see an increase in both participation and donations again this year.”
The Nonantum Hotel, which raised $2,000 last year, is so enthusiastic about Hospitality for Habitat that they set up a challenge to motivate fellow innkeepers by pledging dinner to the entire staff of any inn able to sell more room nights than they do during the 2008 campaign.
“Giving families the ability to earn a home is such a worthy cause, we appreciate this opportunity to give back in such a different way,” said Tina Hewitt Gordon, general manager.
Go to www.maineinns.com and click on the Hospitality for Habitat logo for a complete list of participating properties.
