Hometown Hospitality History

The importance of making a difference, and of simply being a responsible corporate citizen, carries tremendous weight at Benchmark Hospitality, where a simple idea for a grassroots project evolved into a corporate strategy. A handful of properties were doing their own initiatives with local groups and charities. These initiatives led to a design for an umbrella program at the corporate level which would encompass what was already being done in the field. It came at a time when people felt like they needed to do something more than just go to work.  Thus, the program Hometown Hospitality was born in 2001. 

Making a difference in our communities.

Burt Cabañas came to the United States from Cuba at age 10 following the sudden death of his father. Cabañas had to learn English quickly as the fall of Castro made a return to Cuba impossible. Because of his background he continues to champion the cause for social responsibility. A great example of this work was done by Cheyenne Mountain Resort. One of their biggest initiatives was National Hunger Awareness Day. Resort employees collected and donated  700 pounds of food in an old-fashioned surrey that was placed in the lobby for the two weeks.

The Resort also organized a "Dine Out for Hunger" promotion; 10 percent of food and beverage proceeds from the property on that day were donated, along with the collected canned goods, to a local food bank called, "Care and Share."

 

Eaglewood Resort, inspired by their sister property's enthusiasm, launched a program of its own. Eaglewood collected 600 pounds of canned goods from employees, which the hotel matched pound for pound. The property's food services provider, U.S. Foodservice, also donated $500 in cash. 

At the corporate level, Benchmark also makes an effort to spend time helping others. A culture committee and Hometown Hospitality subcommittee help to spearhead initiatives within the Houston and The Woodlands communities.