PHILADELPHIA—Two hotels in Philadelphia are hoping area residents will show them the love during a four-day fundraiser that will benefit children with cancer. The Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City and Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown have teamed up for the eighth consecutive year to sell lemonade, tea and hotdogs to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). Employees from each of the Center City Philadelphia hotels will volunteer their time at the stand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 4 to 7 in front of the Courtyard Marriott at 21 N. Juniper St. Guests and residents of the City of Brotherly Love are encouraged to stop by and grab a snack or simply donate to the cause.
“Alex’s Lemonade Stand is one of our associates’ favorite Spirit to Serve events of the year,” said Jim Gratton, general manager of the downtown Philadelphia hotel. “This event brings together associates from different departments throughout each hotel and provides great camaraderie for a wonderful and needed cause.”
The nonprofit foundation is named for Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was diagnosed with cancer before she turned one year old. At age four, she opened a lemonade stand in her front yard to raise money to aid doctors in finding a cure. Her plight continued each year and inspired others to host lemonade stands, with all proceeds going to find a cure for childhood cancers. Alex died at eight years old, but her legacy continues through ALSF. The organization has raised more than $60 million since 2000 and is a living embodiment of its founder’s spirit of determination and hope.
Strong Connection with Area Hospital
The two downtown Philadelphia hotels have become very connected to the families who have children at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, less than 2.5 miles away, as well as to the medical professionals and specialists who travel to the city to treat the youngsters.
The Residence Inn allows families to put their lodging worries aside by offering extended-stay options with complimentary hot breakfasts and evening socials. Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites have 50 percent more space compared with other downtown Philadelphia hotels and offer all of the comforts of home. Rooms have kitchens with full-sized refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, pots and pans, silverware and dishware so meals don’t have to be consumed at a restaurant every night and parents can save money. The hotel offers a grocery shopping service, too, so moms and dads don’t have to stress about gathering ingredients for meals and can focus on supporting their hospitalized children. Rooms also have spacious desks, complimentary high-speed Internet access and tables with seating for two, so work can be accomplished if necessary. The on-site fitness center can be the perfect escape to relieve some stress.
Medical professionals, consultants and advisors in town for a shorter stay appreciate the deluxe accommodations offered by the Courtyard. The Philadelphia hotel features rooms and suites with 11-foot ceilings as well as spacious work desks, ergonomic chairs and complimentary Internet access. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Nineteen 26, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a Starbucks. A large, state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor swimming pool offer a mental and physical break from daily demands.
Go to the Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City and Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown.
