American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) President/CEO Joe McInerney is issuing a challenge to the industry. If the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) meets its 2009 Annual Giving goal of $115,000, Joe will work a full day at The Carlyle Suites, in Washington, D.C., as a doorman, front desk clerk, housekeeping attendant – whatever capacity they choose. Approximately $22,000 more needs to be raised to meet the goal; you can track donations here.

“I’ve been in this industry for more than 40 years at hotels from Chicago to Charlotte, so the hotel will be getting more than window-dressing,” said McInerney. “The Foundation has been the primary source of financial support for industry-related scholarships and research for more than 50 years, and I’m happy to lend myself out for the day to Richard Spigler and his staff at The Carlyle to meet our goal for 2009.”

To make a donation, you may send a check made payable to the AH&LEF corporate headquarters (1201 New York Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20005), go online at www.ahlef.org, or visit the AH&LEF Big Apple Auction (booth #1872) at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, November 7-10, 2009. All donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on Joe’s challenge, contact Michelle Poinelli, senior vice president of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3181 or .

AH&LEF is the charitable fund-raising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for hospitality industry research. For more information, visit .

Serving the hospitality industry for a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.

Kathryn Potter
202.289.3130
AH&LA