The hotel industry has long been a proponent of the “service-with-a-smile” philosophy. So it makes sense that Operation Smile, an organization with the goal of providing life-saving surgeries for children and young adults worldwide who were born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities, has caught the attention of Affinia Hotels.
Denihan’s boutique hotel collection has partnered with the charity organization, and hopes to raise $120,000 over the next 12 months. The brand has launched a special “Stay Awhile Give a Smile” hotel package where $10 from each package booked will be donated to the cause.
All 600 Affinia associates, from bellmen to executives, have been briefed so they can speak to the mission of Operation Smile and welcome guests to get involved. When the goal of raising $120,000 is met, one hotel associate will represent Affinia Hotels and its parent company, Denihan Hospitality Group, on an Operation Smile medical mission.
It looks like Affinia is already well on its way to reaching its target goal thanks to one generous room attendant. Joyce Mangal (pictured above, second from right), who works at the Affinia Dumont, made a personal donation of $1,000. Her contribution will provide four children with life-saving surgeries. Co-CEOs Patrick Denihan and Brooke Barrett of Denihan Hospitality Group, and Chrissy Denihan, director of brand integration of Affinia Hotels, were so moved by this act of kindness that they each agreed to match Joyce’s contribution and donate $1,000 each.
Now if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, we’re not sure what will.
