Jackie Friedman , president of the Family Bonds Foundation .
“ If we can just do something to help our own industry family who are in need , it ’ s very rewarding ”
Grant Recipient Natalee Fox speaking at CoNexion in 2022 .
COURTESY OF FAMILY BONDS FOUNDATION travel agency owners , independent advisors and suppliers as well as people from a few of the Internova businesses .
Friedman took over as President of the foundation in 2018 and has been ever since . She enjoys being able to help those in need and explained that while the assistance doesn ’ t make all the problems go away , it certainly helps make them a little easier to deal with .
“ It ’ s important to me because I love the travel industry ; I ’ ve been in it for almost 40 years . It is a people business and a relationship business , and a lot of the people we ’ ve been able to help come across unforeseen circumstances ,” Friedman said , adding that there are many cases where people regularly donated over the years and have later found themselves in need of help .
Travel industry professionals can get involved by nominating themselves or people in need or donating to the foundation . The Family Bonds Foundation has fundraising campaigns , silent auctions and raffles a few times a year , usually in conjunction with larger conferences . An online platform is used so everyone can participate .
There is also a donation link right on the website . Friedman said during the COVID- 19 pandemic the foundation had suppliers , resorts and cruise lines send in their favorite recipes , and they created a digital cookbook that continues to be updated every year . Anyone who donates $ 20 or more gets a copy of the cookbook .
“ If we can just do something to help our own industry family who are in need , it ’ s very rewarding ,” Friedman said .
WHAT IS THE FAMILY BONDS FOUNDATION ?
The Family Bonds Foundation provides support to members of the travel industry and their families and communities who are experiencing financial hardships .
HOW CAN ADVISORS GET INVOLVED ?
Travel advisors can get involved by nominating people in need or making a donation to the foundation . Visit familybondsfoundation . com to learn more .
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