GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. | The Grand Rapids Baymont Inns & Suites played host to more than a dozen “Survivor” reality TV show “all-stars” who participated in the 2004 Survivor Golf Challenge on Monday, June 7th.

The event, coordinated by Mike Skupin, a “Survivor” Episode II celebrity, and co-sponsored by Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, raised more than $15,000 for Victory Over Addiction, an organization devoted to empowering children to make positive life decisions.

“This was an exciting event for Grand Rapids, and we at Baymont Inns & Suites enjoyed hosting Mike Skupin and his all-star comrades for this event,” said Patrick McCloskey, general manager for the Grand Rapids hotel. “Grand Rapids is a very philanthropic community, and the Baymont Inns & Suites was proud to be a big part in this annual fundraising event.”

McCloskey said staff from the local property and corporate executives from Baymont Inns & Suites’ headquarters in Milwaukee prepared for this weekend for some time.

“You couldn’t recognize the place,” he said. “When you walked into our lobby, you thought you were on the set of ‘Survivor’ in a tropical paradise. Greg Zost of Pinnacle Construction Group (selected as 2000’s Small Business of the Year by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce) worked to transform our registration area complete with six-foot Tiki-style thatched hut and ‘Survivor’ memorabilia. Likewise, our staff greeted guests wearing ‘Survivor’ attire. It was a thrilling experience.”

On Sunday, June 6th, the celebrities (including Neleh, Pappy, Vecepia, Skupin, Keith, Clarence, Jake, Sandra, Stephanie, Dill and Rodger) visited the Pediatrics Unit at Mary Free Bed Hospital in Grand Rapids, and also made an appearance at a local church to present a motivational and inspirational talk to the congregation. Then, an autograph session with the “Survivor” all-stars was held in the lobby of the Baymont Inns & Suites for all hotel guests and visitors. Following the signing, the “Survivor” set constructed by Pinnacle was transported to the golf course to be used for event registration.

“We were not surprised to hear that our Grand Rapids property was chosen as the host hotel for this event because it truly exemplifies the epitome of hospitality,” said Dan Daniele, president of Baymont Franchises International, LLC. “This property has been awarded the Baymont Inns & Suites Quality Award for three consecutive years because it embodies the excellence expected to be ‘Best In Class’ at Baymont Inns & Suites’ properties—not only by our guests, but the expectations of all of our franchisees. The team at the Grand Rapids Baymont works around the clock, 365 days per year in order to maintain the standard of excellence that has become synonymous with the Baymont Inns & Suites brand.”

Daniele participated in the golf outing and supplemental activities in order to help raise funds for Victory Over Addiction.

A Worthy Cause
Mike Skupin, best known as the celebrity in Episode II who severely burned his hands, has isolated the issues that trouble today’s youth and brings it into a lighthearted event in schools and stadiums all over the world under the name, Victory Over Addiction. Using videos, humor and personal experiences, Skupin weaves a “best choices” message in a very unique way that kids listen to and ultimately adopt. “The message has been the same for years, but the way we bring it to today’s youth—our future leaders—has changed,” Skupin said. “One of the major goals of our organization is helping students to triumph over the destructive addictions of today’s society so they can live the life full of healthy relationships.” Skupin’s goal through Victory Over Addiction is to empower kids to make the best choices with whatever cards they are dealt. Proceeds from the 2004 Survivor Golf Challenge enable Skupin to keep this tour moving across the country.