Families were hosted for Extended Stay America ( ESA ) New York City Cancer Survivors Event earlier in 2015 . In partnership with the American Cancer Society , ESA has committed to providing 100,000 rooms over the next two years to an estimated 15,000 cancer patients and their families .
CSR is now mainstream and high profile for the industry ' s giants , but here HOTELS shines its light on smaller players displaying creativity and commitment .
by Brittany FarB , associate editor
For the past five years , Rockbridge , a private equity firm that invests extensively in hotels , has held Rock the Road in its hometown of Columbus , Ohio , providing hotel leaders a day of networking , keynote addresses from out-of-the-box guest speakers and breakout sessions offering leadership advice . All proceeds go to Pelotonia , the largest cycling fundraiser for cancer research in the U . S ., and attendees are encouraged to stay in Columbus one day after the conference to participate in the charity cycling event . Rockbridge provides a team jersey , road bike and helmet for all team participants . It is certainly a one-of-a-kind industry charity event .“ I knew I wasn ’ t going to come up with the cure for cancer myself , but I do know a thing or two about raising money ,” says Jim Merkel , president of Rockbridge , a hospitality investment firm for more than 20 years . “ I felt like getting behind this organization based on what they are doing and the
www . hotelsmag . com December 2015 HOTELS 23