RALEIGH, N.C.—Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company employees—from front desk staff to the executive team—joined together recently for a day of giving known as Share Day. All 100 Concord Hospitality hotels across North America participated in charitable activities during this annual event, donating more than 10,000 volunteer hours on this day alone.
This year, Concord Hospitality partnered with Rebuilding Together and Feed the Children to provide shelter, food and other essential items to those in need in the communities where Concord associates live and work. Share Day projects took place throughout the United States and Canada with hotel and corporate office employees volunteering throughout the day. Associates distributed food and household products—including up to 168,000 meals—to 2,000 local families and completed repairs and modifications to six homes for seniors or those with disabilities. In Toronto, team members filled backpacks with school supplies and other items that children need to succeed in the classroom and distributed the backpacks to 600 kids as part of Feed the Children’s Homeless Education and Literacy Program.
“Through our annual Share Day, we aim to provide our associates with the opportunity to volunteer and participate in events in their communities and give back to those that need it the most,” said Debra Punke, Senior Vice President of Human Capital at Concord Hospitality.
More Than $750,000 Raised Since 2009
Since starting Share Day in 2009, Concord Hospitality associates have raised more than $750,000, donated over 24,000 hours of service, distributed 2 million meals to 22,000 families and refurbished over two dozen homes. The annual event aligns with Concord’s commitment of not only providing hotel ownership, management and development expertise, but also making it possible for associates to partake in a rich and vibrant culture established and propelled by its five cornerstones of delivering quality, living integrity, supporting community, growing profitability and having fun.
“We are not only providing food and necessities to these families—but also hope,” said Travis Arnold, President and CEO of Feed the Children. “Hope for a better future that is made possible thanks to our partners at Concord Hospitality who play a vital role in helping us create a world where no child goes to bed hungry.”
“It was so rewarding and fulfilling to see firsthand the impact this event has on families and neighbors in the Columbus, Ohio area,” said Punke. “I’m proud and honored to work for a company like Concord that promotes a sincere care for people and focus on activities outside of our day-to-day business operations.”
This year, the largest Share Day events happened in seven markets including Columbus, Ohio; Houston; Meadowlands, N.J.; Orlando, Fla.; Pittsburgh; Raleigh, N.C. and Toronto. Concord Hospitality properties outside of these markets also volunteered locally with organizations including Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House, local food banks and shelters, and SPCA.
