Destination Clubs Philanthropic Initiatives

By: Destination Club News
Date: December 3, 2008

Long marketing to the wealthy, the world's leading philanthropic community, destination clubs are increasingly taking a page from their members' book and donating to worthwhile causes.

Even during an economic downturn that may threaten a seven year streak of increasing annual donations, leading destinations clubs have made considerable efforts to donate to worthy causes such as cancer research, children's foundations, and education.

Cancer Research

Recently, ultra-luxury destination club Everlands donated a week long stay at their Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana to The University of Chicago Research Foundation. The trip was auctioned off at the foundation's "Black and White Ball," which in total raised over $800,000 earmarked for cancer research and discover new treatments. In addition to their recent cancer donation, Everlands also purchases the luxury real estate available to members with conservation as a primary interest.

Prior to the Ultimate Escapes merger, Private Escapes was a sponsor for the American Cancer Society's United Chicago Select Golf Invitational. Private Escapes offered a free Private Escapes Platinum membership for anyone making a hole-in-one and also auctioned off a multi-day trip in the tournament's live auction.

Children's Foundations

In a raffle available to anyone making a pledge to Chabad's Children of Chernobyl, One Key World donated a three night stay at one of the over 500 properties available to One Key World travelers.

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) is a not-for-profit organization that helps evacuate children form the radioactive region of Chernobyl, providing them with medical care, education, and housing.

Those interested in learning more and how you can help, please visit the Chabad's Children of Chernobyl website.

Education

Leading destination club Quintess, LRW created the "Making a Difference" program. In addition to a member donation program and a green initiative, Quintess has partnered with Greenhouse Scholars to donate over $60,000 in scholarships, enough for 10 Scholars.

Scholars must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and have proven financial need.

President and CEO of Greenhouse Scholars, Pete Burridge says, "What we are doing at Greenhouse Scholars is supporting high performing, under-resourced high school kids going to college. Our program specifically takes kids that have already proven themselves in terms of their ability to achieve at a high level, overcome incredible odds and obstacles."

Scholars not only receive financial aid, but have access to mentors, internship opportunities, and a summer leadership symposium. Among the current students benefiting from the Quintess Scholarship Program include students from Cornell, Stanford, Georgetown, and other elite universities.

If interested in donating to Greenhouse Scholars, please contact them here or contact Quintess to learn more about how members can donate nights or sponsor a Scholar.

Relief Efforts

On May 2, 2008, Cyclone Nargis touched down in Myanmar, starting the worst natural disaster in the history of the country. Accounting for at least 146,000 fatalities and thousands still unaccounted for, the Burmese government is said to have grossly underreported the total death toll to limit the political fallout. Estimates are as high as one million people have or will die due to the cyclone's damage and lack of relief efforts.

Abercrombie & Kent raised over $340,000 to support those affected by Cyclone Nargis. Abercrombie & Kent's Myanmar staff personally distributed aid on behalf of the company.

Those interested in donating to help those affected by Cyclone Nargis can do so through Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.

As destination clubs continue to widen their marketing reach by offering auxiliary travel benefits and form strategic partnerships with other luxury services, many are beginning to see the advantages of local and global philanthropic initiatives. By supporting these causes, destination clubs can continue to help worthwhile programs and get their name in front of those with discretionary income.

To learn more about any of these philanthropic programs or to learn how you can help, please feel free to contact Destination Club News.