CFHLA Adopt–A–School Kick Off

On Wednesday, September 3, The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) hosted its annual Adopt-A-School Kick-Off Luncheon at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. This luncheon featured a keynote presentation by Orange County School Board Chairman Bill Sublette.

Celebrating its 13th year, the CFHLA Adopt-A-School program began with the mission to identify, develop and promote positive community partnerships between every public school in Central Florida and CFHLA member lodging establishments and companies. For the 2014-2015 school year, nearly 80 partnerships have been established in cooperation with the Orange, Osceola, and Seminole County School Districts.

CFHLA members are encouraged to complete a minimum of three activities per school year with their partner school. Tutoring, mentoring, and participating in career/college days are common activities, as well as hosting school supply drives and sponsoring student competitions through providing the prizes (including box seats at an Orlando Magic Game!) Teachers are made to feel appreciated through donated restaurant certificates or hotel stays for the ͞teacher of the month͟ programs, or ͞end of testing͟ celebrations sponsored by the corporate partner. CFHLA members also inspire parents to become more active in their child’s education by providing food for Open House events and Parent Teacher Conference nights. Additionally, schools are given the opportunity to give back to their partner through decorating their partner’s lobby or offices, providing student art work for holiday cards, and providing musical entertainment for the employees or hotel guests. The activity possibilities can be endless and encourage the corporate partner to explore their creativity with their partner school.

This program is another example of the hospitality industry giving back to Central Florida!