Pulse Legacy Archive December 2011 | Page 42

well as to volunteer at Hyatt Regency's partner organizations like The League to Save Lake Tahoe and The Tahoe Rim Trail Association. To promote the initiative, the resort Through Grand Hyatt Kauai's volunteer program, spa and resort guests may spend time with the animals at the Kauai Humane Society. Groups Giving Back To move towards its philanthropic goal, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe launched its Groups Giving Back campaign in February this year. Combining charity with volunteering initiatives, the campaign allows group account clients to volunteer to local environmental organizations. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has partnered with The League to Save Lake Tahoe (protects, restores, and advocates for the ecosystem health and scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin) and The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (maintains and protects the 165-mile single-track trail system—frequented by hikers, bikers and equestrians—that encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin). “Giving back to these organizations ensures a return of both leisure and group guests while keeping the environment pristine for our year-round locals and wildlife. Lake Tahoe is our most prized and precious asset and we wanted to continually give back not only to local organizations but, ultimately, to the lake as well,” says Bankston. The Groups Giving Back initiative is a mix of volunteering and donation opportunities. Guests have the option to donate its five percent rebate offered by the resort and spa to group bookings as 40 PULSE ■ December 2011 “We are more engaged as a team and pitch these volunteering efforts as team-building exercises.” Excellence” by Keep the Sierra Green Program for operating under sustainable business practices, the resort’s ecofocused philanthropy has not only received positive community recognition but has also led to team engagement. “We are more engaged as a team and pitch these volunteering efforts as team-building exercises,” says Bankston, adding that the resort has also formed an in-house Green Team responsible for maintaining and implementing its green initiatives which include Earth Hour and cleanup activities like on-site litter removal and lake coast cleanups. Spirit to Serve circulated an official press release nationwide, advertised on online meeting planning sites such as CVENT and StarCite as well as sent direct mailers to target audience. Recipient of the “Award of At Lantana Spa, volunteering efforts generally include fundraising initiatives. “In the past 18 months, Lantana Spa has partnered directly with the American Heart Association and Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Antonio. Through spa partnerships, we have produced programs like ‘Go Red for Women’s Staff volunteer their time and skill in several of Lantana Spa's fundraising initiatives, including Pink Hour which supports breast cancer research.