Washington, May 1, 2008—Best Western International, Inc., Denihan Hospitality Group (DHG), USA Today, and Westmont Hospitality Group have each donated $2,500 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) 2008 Annual Giving Campaign, supporting key research and workforce development initiatives for the hospitality industry.  The $2,500 gift represents a five diamond level of donation to this ongoing campaign.

A longtime supporter, Best Western generously donated a total of $300,000 through AH&LEF capital campaigns, and more than $13,000 through previous annual giving campaigns.  Best Western International, Inc., is the world's largest hotel brand with more than 4,200 hotels in 80 countries.  

DHG is a privately-owned company that manages real estate assets and oversees the acquisition, development, management, and disposition of a hotel collection that includes Affinia Hotels and The Benjamin. This is the second year DHG has contributed to the campaign at the five diamond level.

USA Today is one of the nation's most influential daily newspapers, with an estimated readership of 3.9 million, and an additional readership of 10.5 million of USAToday.com.  USA Today has generously supported AH&LEF since 1995.  In addition to major contributions to AH&LEF's last two capital giving campaigns, USA Today donated a full-page advertisement to the annual Big Apple Auction.  As a silver level sponsor of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the publication also offers members a discounted advertising rate in their travel section.

As one of the world's largest owner and/or manager of approximately 400 international hotels, Westmont Hospitality Group's thrives on strategic alliances with the world's largest hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Radisson, Cendant, and Starwood throughout the company's 30-year history. The company's core service-first philosophy influenced its decision to support the Annual Giving Campaign for the past two years at the five diamond level, and also make a $10,000 donation to AH&LEF's last capital giving campaign.

About AH&LEF:
The Annual Giving Campaign is AH&LEF's key yearly fundraising initiative, supporting its core missions of providing scholarships to hospitality management students; funding important research in areas such as room tax and ADA requirements; as well as promoting hospitality as a career of choice and workforce development initiatives.  Initiated in 1997, the program has collected more than $730,000 in charitable donations from the industry, and is supported solely by progressive industry leaders and companies.

AH&LEF is the not-for-profit affiliate of AH&LA.  Last year, AH&LEF disbursed nearly $1 million to prepare promising college students for a career in hospitality; attract and retain quality industry professionals; and fund valuable research for lodging properties.  Since the Foundation's inception, $11 million has been disbursed through its scholarship, education, outreach, and research programs.  

"We are thrilled to begin this year with a high level of funds received from such a dedicated base of hoteliers, corporations, and individuals," said Joori Jeon, CPA, CAE, AH&LEF president/COO.  "Donations from all sectors of the industry will further advance the Foundation's programs that shape the future of the hospitality community."

Throughout 2008, 108 companies and individuals have a total of $55,000 in contributions, including two $5,000 gifts from Minaz Abji, AH&LEF Fund Development Committee chair, and first-time donor Choice Hotels Owners Council.  A full list of donors is also available online at www.ahlef.org.

All AH&LEF contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about donating, contact Michelle Poinelli, senior vice president of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3181 or mpoinelli@ahlef.org.  

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AH&LEF is the charitable fund-raising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, funding for hospitality industry research, workforce development and school-to-career initiatives. For more information, visit www.ahlef.org.
 
Serving the hospitality industry for nearly a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.

CONTACT:    
Jessica Soklow
(jsoklow@ahla.com)