LOS ANGELES, CA — AHLA Basis raised greater than $1,000,000 at its annual Evening of a Thousand Stars fundraising gala final evening, bringing collectively greater than 400 trade leaders on the Beverly Hilton to rejoice excellence in hospitality. Proceeds of the gala will assist workforce improvement initiatives for resort trade staff.
The occasion took on particular significance this 12 months because the trade demonstrated its dedication to the restoration and resilience of Los Angeles within the wake of current wildfires with donations to the Purple Cross and LA Fireplace Division Basis. AHLA and the AHLA Basis pledged $10,000 to assist catastrophe aid efforts and can match as much as $25,000 donated by AHLA members.
Every year, Evening of a Thousand Stars acknowledges excellent achievements throughout the trade with 5 prestigious awards to acknowledge hospitality professionals underneath 30 years previous; hospitality scholar excellence; ladies creating paths for different ladies within the trade to succeed; and the lodging worker of the 12 months.
Evening of a Thousand Stars is a shining tribute to the distinctive expertise that drives hospitality ahead, whereas fueling a stronger future for our trade,
stated Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Basis. Via the Basis’s transformative workforce improvement applications, we aren’t simply opening doorways however creating pathways for people to construct significant, life-changing careers on this extraordinary trade.
One of many issues I’ve all the time cherished about this trade is the way in which it loves its folks. Evening of a Thousand Stars is a chance for our trade to rejoice the unimaginable individuals who make hospitality all it’s,
stated Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Resort and Lodging Affiliation (AHLA). Their tales are so highly effective. They’re the center of our trade and the explanation the work the AHLA Basis does is so vital to advancing the careers of so many.
AHLA’s 2025 Stars of the Business winners
North Star: Lodging Worker of the 12 months Award
- Melvin De La Cruz, Assistant to Director of HR, The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton
AHLA Basis ForWard: Paving the Method Award
- Whitney Bergmann, Normal Supervisor, Finest Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
Stevan Porter Rising Hospitality Chief of the 12 months Award
- Nicole Harker, Entrance Workplace Supervisor, Amara Resort & Spa
Resort Hero
- Jessica Dunnihoo, Govt Housekeeper, Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Conference Heart
AHLA Basis Scholar of the 12 months Award
- Devin Grady, Pupil, Anne Arundel Neighborhood School and Accountant, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Heart
The occasion’s success was made doable by way of the beneficiant assist of presenting sponsors Encore, Visitor Provide, Hilton, Hilton Provide Administration and contributions from hospitality leaders and professionals throughout the trade. Giving on the gala was initiated by a $100,000 donation from Jon Bortz, President and CEO of Pebblebrook Resort Belief, and his spouse Ellen Bortz.
For extra details about the AHLA Basis and its initiatives, go to www.ahlafoundation.org. To donate to organizations offering emergency help in Los Angeles, go to https://www.ahla.com/relief.
About AHLA Basis
The AHLA Basis, the charitable arm of the American Resort & Lodging Affiliation, works to assist the resort and lodging trade’s best asset – our folks. By connecting staff, employers, and their communities, we search to constantly nurture a tradition {of professional} progress and belonging. When the individuals who work in our trade thrive, the trade thrives together with them. The Basis is funded by grants and charitable contributions from beneficiant people and organizations who wish to assist people in search of alternatives to thrive within the resort and lodging trade. Be taught extra at www.ahlafoundation.org.