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The Charles Hotel recognizes that the key to success is not the only the quality of the product, but also the image that is portrayed to the community. Without a strong community presence and the support of its neighbors, The Charles Hotel would not run successfully as it does. From sponsoring fundraisers and hosting community events to donating products to charity auctions and local shelters, the Hotel is truly committed to being a community leader. |
In recent years, social service programs have lost money and organizations have been forced to look for alternative income sources. The Charles Hotel feels it is important to share its success with the community. This commitment is exemplified throughout the hotel from upper level management to hourly employees. In 2008, The Charles Hotel was recognized on the national level by Preferred Hotels & Resorts through their GIFTTS (Great Initiatives for Today's (Tomorrows) Society) program. Preferred recognized the hotel for its outstanding year-round philanthropic commitment. The award came with a check for $5,000 to a charity of the hotel's choice. "Whether it's donating hundreds of holiday meals to those in need or hosting their cities most celebrated annual fundraiser, their entire staff is engaged in the act of giving back," said Preferred President, John Ueberroth. |
One such relationship is the one that has developed between the hotel and The Farm School. The Charles Hotel Executive Chef, Peter Davis, is an ardent supporter of The Farm School, which teaches sustainable farming techniques to children and adults. |
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To demonstrate their support, the hotel not only purchases their produce, but hosts their annual fundraiser known as the Big Pig Gig. The Director of the Farm School says that "the success of the Big Pig Gig is literally why we exist today. There is a union between the hotel and school that is based on a common purpose and shared values. These fill the event with an energy that wouldn't otherwise exist. Chef Davis is one of our favorite stewards of the earth." |
In addition to The Farm School, the hotel also supports other organization's fundraisers including: The Kevin Youkilis "Hits for Kids,"Greater Boston Food Bank, The Guidance Center's Annual Gala, and The Brattle Theater's Annual Fundraiser. |
The Hotel's community outreach is not limited to supporting outside organizations. The Charles Hotel hosts a number of its own community events each year such as The Annual Tree Lighting, Opening of The Rink at The Charles, Red Cross Blood Drives, and the Kids Summer Music Series. The Hotel kicks off the Holiday Season with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is free and open to the public. Guests enjoy complimentary beverages from Henrietta's Table, a visit from Santa, and musical performances. |
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In 2004, the Hotel went forward with a plan to create an outdoor ice-skating rink in Harvard Square. The 2,900 square-foot rink is located just steps from the Hotel's entrance and is open daily to the public. It is a truly special amenity and addition to the Square. To signify the opening of the Rink at The Charles each winter, the Hotel hosts a day of community activities. From noon – 8:00pm, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary skating, a kid's activity room, complimentary beverages, DJ, and a visit from Globe Santa, who provides toys to needy children across the state. |
In conjunction with the 2008 Tree Lighting Ceremony, the hotel also hosted the 2nd Annual "Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids" Holiday Party. The hotel welcomed 150 children from the Italian Home and the Joslin Diabetes Center for an afternoon filled with games, delicious treats, entertainment, and a chance to enjoy being a kid. The Italian Home cares for over 300 children a year who are facing an emotional or behavioral crisis. Through both day and residential programs, their goal is to reunite the children with their own or alternative families and to preserve families that are at risk. The associates of The Charles Hotel are extremely proud of their hard work in supporting the local community and friends and neighbors abroad. They continue to carry out their mission of providing world-class service, a caring attitude and a helping hand, to not only hotel guests, but also to those in need. |
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