PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HHM has launched their second, month-long fund and awareness-raising campaign partnering with Autism Speaks for the month of April. For the third year in a row, each of HHM’s 115 nationwide properties will join other landmark buildings across the world – including The Great Pyramids of Giza, Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House and more – and literally “Light it up Blue” with indoor and outdoor illuminations. Last year, the company embarked upon their first, full fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $50,000. HHM surpassed that goal – raising over $90,000 and this year, aims to raise more than $150,000.
“Our goal as a hospitality organization is to look beyond our bottom line and see how we are improving the lives of our guests, employees, environment and community, which we implement through EarthView – our unique, sustainable hospitality program,” says HHM CEO Naveen Kakarla. “Our Autism Awareness partnership is one of our most valuable and impactful causes, which we are proud to build upon every year.”
Each of HHM’s hotels will be boasting a variety of fund and awareness-raising promotions, activities and events. Additional programs to the “Light it up Blue” initiative include front desk donation collection, awareness increasing uniform updates (including blue outfit days and puzzle-piece pins), blue cocktail and dish offerings, special events and more.
One of HHM’s landmark properties and Philadelphia’s most prestigious hotel – The Rittenhouse – will be implementing a variety of these programs. From offering Autism Speaks signature puzzle piece emblem in the form of house-made cookies at reception to donating 20% of all proceeds on a specialty “Paint it Blue” pedicure in The Rittenhouse Spa & Club and a “Light it up Blue (Hawaiian)” cocktail across their outlets for the month of April – The Rittenhouse is in full support of this important HHM partnership. They will wrap up the month-long campaign with a client appreciation reception on April 28th, featuring their signature Autism Speaks cocktail and other awareness-raising offerings.
Luxury, independent Hotel 48LEX New York, located in Manhattan’s Midtown East section, will create awareness with blue chocolates featured at turndown service – in addition to switching their lights over to blue. They are also partnering with Charitybuzz to auction off a premium, three-night package including accommodations in their unsurpassed penthouse suite, dinner for two at their signature restaurant Lexington Brass, an in-room spa experience and a trip to their amenity partner Beekman 1802’s farm in upstate New York – all proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.
Another of HHM’s marquee independent properties, The Graham Georgetown – a boutique hotel in Washington DC and part of The Independent Collection – will host their second annual rooftop, blue carpet gala on April 29th in partnership with the locally-based, national Autism Speaks headquarters – all proceeds will benefit the organization. Last year, the event was attended by over 170 VIPs and raised $25,000.
Every hotel in the portfolio will also be encouraging guests to purchase raffle tickets to win an HHM Blues Traveler Experience. From an unparalleled, week-long California Coast package (including luxury accommodations, a rental car, guided wine tours and other unique experiences) to a celebrity-style weekend in the coveted Tribeca neighborhood of New York City – entrants are eligible to win an exciting vacation from coast to coast, simply by purchasing a $5 raffle ticket at any HHM property front desk.
“Autism Speaks is an amazing organization and it is an honor to manage HHM’s partnership with them and watch it continue to grow,” said Robert Arigo, regional director of operations. “Every year our involvement increases and seeing the direct and profound effect of each properties’ efforts is a truly rewarding experience.”
Donations on behalf of HHM to Autism Speaks can be made at: http://goo.gl/B0udqc.
About HHM: Formerly known as Hersha Hospitality Management, HHM operates 115 hotels across the United States. It provides turnkey hotel management, asset management and receivership for properties with leading brand affiliations through Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. HHM also operates 28 independent hotels ranging from The Rittenhouse Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond property in Philadelphia, to the Larkspur Landing hotels, all-suite extended stay properties in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Its highly experienced team is accustomed to serving as a fiduciary to publicly traded companies, joint ventures, institutional real estate owners and private investors. Additional information on HHM can be found at www.hhmhospitality.com.
About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.