On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) hosted its annual Adopt-A-School Kick-Off Luncheon at the B Resort and Spa Lake Buena Vista. This luncheon featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Debra Pace, Osceola County School District Superintendent.
Celebrating its 15th year, the CFHLA Adopt-A-School program’s mission is to identify, develop and promote positive community partnerships between public schools in Central Florida and CFHLA membership. To date, for the 2016-2017 school year, approximately 100 partnerships have been finalized in cooperation with the school districts in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
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 assisting with beautification projects.
Teachers are made to feel appreciated by donated restaurant certificates or hotel stays for the Teacher of the Month programs, or end-of-year celebrations sponsored by the corporate partner. CFHLA members also inspire parents to become more active in their child’s education by providing food 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 artwork for holiday cards, and providing musical entertainment for the employees or hotel guests. The activity possibilities can be endless and encourages 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!