WASHINGTON, D.C.—Kirk Kinsell, president and CEO of Loews Hotels & Resorts, contributed $10,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation 2016 Annual Giving Campaign, marking his fourth consecutive personal gift in the last four years at the six-diamond level or higher, and his first at the leadership level.
The Annual Giving Campaign is the Foundation’s yearly fundraiser that raises unrestricted funds to support its core missions, including providing scholarships to hospitality management students and hotel employees; funding important research in areas such as room tax, economic impact studies, and ADA requirements; and workforce development initiatives that promote hospitality as a career of choice.
Additionally, Kinsell has recently made a personal pledge of $100,000 to a special AH&LEF major fundraising effort which he is chairing and will be publically announced in the coming months. Vice Chair of AH&LEF’s board of trustees and a long-time, active member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Kinsell is a fourth generation hotelier and has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years.
“The talent agenda has to be a number one priority for all of us in the hotel industry, and supporting research and exceptional students as future leaders is all of our responsibility,” said Kinsell. “In my own career, I have seen how crucial industry support is and giving back is a responsibility we all have. It’s my honor to participate in this industry I love so much and support our future—and current— professionals.”
“Kirk has been such an instrumental figure in our industry and at the Foundation. His incredible gestures of support are a testament to the value in our programs. We are thrilled that Kirk, who is at the helm of one of the biggest and most influential brands in our industry, is supporting the Annual Giving Campaign at such a high level,” said Joori Jeon, AH&LEF president and COO. “Kirk leads by example. His personal philanthropic leadership should encourage all to be so generous in their giving.”
AH&LEF is the not-for-profit affiliate of AH&LA and is funded solely by charitable donations from progressive hospitality leaders and companies within the industry. In 2016, AH&LEF anticipates disbursing more than $1.5 million to prepare promising college students for a career in hospitality, to attract and retain talented industry professionals, and to fund valuable research for the industry. Since the Foundation’s inception, $20 million has been distributed through its scholarship, education, outreach, and research programs.
