Walkathon Raises $$$ for Sanctuary for Families
Perfect weather and a sense of community teamed up this week to create a great event!
We’re talking about the 2014 Hotel Workers Walkathon, of course. As always, it was a fun-filled effort to raise money for a very worthy cause. The proceeds from this year’s Walkathon will be donated to Sanctuary for Families, a program that this year celebrated its 30th anniversary serving the people of New York.
Sanctuary for Families is an organization that is dedicated to the safety, healing and self-sufficiency of battered women and their children. To fulfill this dedication, the organization provides a broad range of services, including shelter, legal assistance and counseling.
At a time when domestic violence has made headlines because of the inexcusable behavior of several NFL players, it should be noted that Sanctuary for Families has been dealing with this most serious issue for three decades. The organization works to end domestic violence and its sweeping impact through outreach, education and advocacy. The ultimate goal of Sanctuary for Families is a world where every woman and child lives in safety and with dignity,
Founded in 1984, Sanctuary for Families has grown from a handful of safe homes in apartments and churches to the largest nonprofit agency in New York dedicated exclusively to domestic violence victims. Each year, thousands of women and children benefit from the services of Sanctuary for Families’ devoted staff and volunteers. All services are confidential and are provided free of charge. It is a great organization and we are deeply proud to say that it will be the beneficiary of the proceeds from this year’s Walkathon.
The 2014 Hotel Workers Walkathon began with a complimentary breakfast in the ballroom of the Roosevelt Hotel. Following the breakfast, the walkers toured a route of midtown hotels, raising money for Sanctuary for Families at each stop they made. Many of the participating hotels not only helped sponsor the event, they also provided refreshments along the way. The Hotel Association, the Hotel Trades Council and Local 6 also made contributions on behalf of the walkers.
Many of the participants brought along friends and family members, and some of the Union’s retirees also attended. We were happy to see that plenty of children participated, making the event a family day where kids could tour Manhattan and learn about the big city, while at the same time raising money for a good cause.
Hotel Workers Walkathons have raised well over a half million dollars for various worthy causes in the event’s 23-year history, and more will be added to that total from this year’s walk.
“Our sincere thanks goes out to all members, retirees and their families for taking the time to participate in this year’s Walkathon,” Hotel Trades Council President Peter Ward said. “Sanctuary for Families is a special organization that helps many people in difficult and dangerous domestic situations. This organization was groundbreaking when it was founded 30 years ago and it continues to serve the New York community with counseling, support and shelter to victims of domestic violence. Sanctuary for
Families has always performed its acclaimed work free of charge to those who need it services and its exceptional track record makes it an institution that greatly deserves our support. We thank all of those who provided that support by participating in this year’s Walkathon.”
In recognition of the hundreds of members who participated in the 2014 Hotel Workers Walkathon, a photo album from the event will appear in an upcoming edition of Hotel Voice.
Here are some of the participants in the 2014 Hotel Workers Walkathon from the Waldorf Astoria.
