Giving Back, Moving Forward

How the AAHOA Charitable Foundation is Shaping its Future

By the AAHOA Charitable Foundation (ACF) Board of Directors

AAHOA Members have always embodied the spirit of generosity, stepping up in times of need and supporting their communities in countless ways. Giving back is woven into the very fabric of who we are as hoteliers and entrepreneurs.

The AAHOA Charitable Foundation (ACF) was established to harness this collective generosity, creating a unified platform to maximize our philanthropic impact. This vision would not have been possible without the dedication, leadership, and foresight of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation Ad Hoc Committee members, who played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s mission and laying the groundwork for its future success over the past several years. Their commitment to building a strong infrastructure for charitable giving set the stage for the impact we now strive to create.

With a solid foundation in place, the newly appointed ACF Board of Directors is honored to carry this mission forward, expanding and strengthening the foundation’s reach. As we move into this next chapter, we remain focused on driving meaningful change, providing critical support where it’s needed most, and ensuring that our collective contributions leave a lasting legacy.

Defining Our Purpose: What Will ACF Do?

Building a charitable foundation from the ground up is both an exciting opportunity and a significant responsibility. As we take our first steps, we are asking ourselves:

• What unique impact can ACF make in an industry with so many worthy causes?
• How can we ensure our mission resonates deeply with AAHOA Members and the broader hospitality community?
• What will set the foundation apart and inspire engagement, generosity, and long term commitment?
• Beyond that, how do we measure success – not just in dollars raised, but in lives changed?

The answers to these questions lie in our alignment with AAHOA’s broader mission and values and in the collective commitment and spirit of our members and their desire to make a meaningful impact.

At its core, ACF will support initiatives that strengthen communities through education, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and industry-focused charitable programs. While many charities do incredible work in specific areas, ACF will provide a dedicated platform for hoteliers to give back in ways that resonate. Whether responding to natural disasters, funding scholarships, or supporting human trafficking prevention programs, the foundation will be a powerful force for good.

The Roadmap: Where We’re Headed

As we lay the groundwork for ACF, we are focused on turning ambition into tangible results. This means getting specific about our vision, launching well defined campaigns, creating structured response mechanisms, and ensuring transparency in everything we do.

A strong foundation requires strategic planning. As we set the course for our first year, several key initiatives are taking shape:

• Fundraising & Financial Sustainability: We are focused on building a robust donor base by engaging AAHOA Members, Industry Partners, and corporate sponsors in meaningful ways. Our fundaising goals include targeted outreach, donor cultivation, and strategic alliances to ensure we have the resources necessary to make a difference.
• Clear & Actionable Campaigns: To be effective, we must operate with precision – outlining specific initiatives, setting measurable objectives, and ensuring our response mechanisms are agile and impactful. Whether it’s disaster relief, scholarship programs, or industrywide charitable initiatives, we are committed to launching focused campaigns that deliver results where they are needed most.
• Digital Presence & Engagement: ACF will launch a dedicated website, AAHOA Foundation.org, to serve as a hub for information, donations, and updates on our efforts. Through compelling storytelling and active outreach, we will ensure donors, members, and industry leaders see the direct results of their generosity.
• Bringing the Industry Together: In the next year, we aim to host our inaugural fundraising event bringing together industry leaders, donors, and supporters to celebrate philanthropy, recognize those making a difference, and generate vital resources for future initiatives.

‘We Make a Life by What We Give’

The success of the foundation will be defined by the generosity, passion, and commitment of our members and partners. Whether through financial contributions, volunteerism, or corporate sponsorships, every effort brings us closer to creating lasting change.

As hoteliers, we do more than provide a place to stay – we build communities, create opportunities, and extend a helping hand in times of need. ACF is not just about giving back, it’s really about amplifying AAHOA’s voice to shape a future where our collective impact leaves a legacy of service, resilience, and hope.

As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” We are grateful for your trust in us to help lead ACF. If you have ideas for the foundation, we encourage you to reach out to us or share them with foundation@aahoa.com

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AAHOA Charitable Foundation Launches Hope & Haven California Wildfire Recovery Initiative

In January, AAHOA announced the launch of the Hope & Haven: California Wildfire Recovery Initiative, powered by the AAHOA Charitable Foundation (ACF) to support communities devastated by the ongoing wildfires in California.

As the wildfires continue to displace families and impact lives across the state, AAHOA Members and the broader hospitality industry are stepping up to provide critical aid. Recognizing the hospitality industry’s profound role during such a crisis, this campaign aims to rally resources for relief and recovery efforts, including room-night donations, fundraising, and community engagement.

“The AAHOA Charitable Foundation is rooted in the mission of making a meaningful difference, and this initiative exemplifies the core of who we are,” said AAHOA Charitable Foundation Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel. “In the face of the devastating California wildfires, our foundation is proud to support efforts that bring relief and hope to those affected. From providing room nights to raising critical funds, this campaign demonstrates the collective strength and compassion of AAHOA Members and the hospitality industry at large. Together, we are not only offering immediate shelter but also helping to lay the foundation for recovery and the resilience of the communities we serve.”

Learn More – Hope & Haven:  The ACF California Wildfire Recovery Initiative 

• Room Night Donation Program: Hotel owners are donating complimentary room nights to provide temporary housing for wildfire victims and their families. These efforts are critical in ensuring displaced individuals have a safe place to stay as they begin their recovery process. Join the Program: Donate room nights by completing the Hope & Haven:  California Wildfire Recovery Room Night Donation Form at bit.ly/AAHOAroomdonation.
• Fundraising: The Hope & Haven: The ACF California Wildfire Recovery Initiative Relief Fund is accepting donations to provide financial support for  rebuilding homes, restoring businesses, and assisting affected families.
  Make a Donation: Contribute to the Hope & Haven: The ACF California Wildfire  Relief Fund at bit.ly/HopeandHaven2025.
• Community Engagement: AAHOA encourages its members to participate in local community service efforts, including volunteering at shelters, distributing supplies,  and supporting relief programs.
  Take Action: Join AAHOA’s mobilization efforts and amplify the spirit of hospitality.

To learn more about the initiative or how to get involved, visit AAHOA.com/hopeandhaven or email foundation@aahoa.com.