Historic hotels across the United States are increasingly supporting local charities through the donation of room stays, a practice that has quietly become a significant means of giving back to their communities. These donations allow donors to contribute to various causes while enjoying travel experiences.
The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, a notable participant, issued 267 gift certificates during 20232024 as part of its charitable efforts.
Historic Hotels of America, an organization representing historic properties nationwide, has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between these hotels and charitable organizations. Among the key beneficiaries is the Eureka Springs Community Center, chaired by Amanda Haley, the digital marketing manager at the Crescent Hotel. The center has received long-standing support from Jack Moyer and Elise Roenigk, both of whom are significant donors and, in Moyer’s case, a founding board member.
The donation process is both straightforward and effective. The Crescent Hotel contributes stay certificates to other resorts, which reciprocate with certificates. The Crescent then donates the partner certificates, thereby supporting causes important to the Crescent. This system ensures that a wide range of charities benefit from these contributions.
In 2024, the Crescent Hotel’s donation program expanded, featuring packages from several historic hotels:
• A two-night stay at the West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort, including breakfast at Café Sinclair, golf for two on the Pete Dye Golf Course and concert tickets for select weekends, along with a historic tour of West Baden.
• A two-night stay at various properties within the Settlers Hospitality Hotel Group, including The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches Resort, Hotel Anthracite, Sayre Mansion and The Chestnut Inn.
• A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Ala., including breakfast for two each day and a round of golf for two.
• A San Francisco/ Napa package from The Presidio and Napa River Inn.
• A two-night stay at The Peabody Memphis, including suite accommodations, the opportunity to serve as Honorary Duckmaster and dinner for two at Chez Philippe.
• A Bed & Breakfast package at The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa., including a two-night stay, four Hershey Park tickets, and a VIP Chocolate Amenity upon arrival.
• A two-night stay at the Raphael Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., featuring a fine dining package with a threecourse dinner for two at Chaz Restaurant.
• The King’s Courtyard Inn Discover Charleston package, which includes accommodations for two nights, daily breakfast, a carriage ride through historic Charleston, a tour of Fort Sumter or Patriots Point Naval Museum, a historical home tour, and a bottle of champagne in the room upon arrival.
Lawrence Horwitz, executive vice president of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, praised these initiatives, noting how these historic properties continue to enrich their communities while offering memorable experiences to travelers.
“The collective efforts of these many historic hotels continue to enrich the communities in which each is located,” Horwitz said. “Their donations provide wonderful benefits to their local communities as well as most memorable experiences for travelers. These iconic and legendary historic hotels have been supporting their local communities for a century or longer, demonstrating that combining philanthropy and hospitality creates a win-win for charities and donors alike.”
The 2024 donations have been contributed to the Eureka Springs Community Center’s fundraising event, Siptember which will be held at the Eureka Springs Brewery on Wednesday, Sept. 11, beginning at 4 p.m. in support of area youth activities and community center sustainability.
Bidding on the travel auction will begin online Monday, Sept. 2, at 9 a.m., with online bidding closing at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Bidding will continue at the Siptember event concluding with the Silent Auction.
To place bids, visit https://www.traveleurekasprings. com/ community-center-travel-auction/. To ensure that your bid is the winner, plan on attending the Siptember event. Tickets are available at https:// www.reserveeureka. com/attractions/siptember.
