ISHP Puts Heart Into Its Social Responsibilities

NEW YORK— The International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP) demonstrated significantly more than its collective fiduciary prowess by chalking up a pair of major philanthropic achievements last night in advance of the official opening of the 2002 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show here. In terms of new business, the group of industry purchasing professionals unveiled details of a partnership program entered into with Gifts In Kind International, offering the hospitality sector the opportunity to donate available inventory to qualified charities around the world. It was noted those companies participating can: gain a tax-deduction of up to twice the cost of the donated product; reduce reverse logistics and lower warehousing and handling costs; and increase public recognition of their charitable endeavors. Tied to ISHP’s on-going fundraising efforts, it was similarly pointed out this year’s cocktail-party turnout added some $80,000 to the organization’s coffers, bringing the total amount raised via just three such annual social gatherings to the quarter-million-dollar level. With HOTEL BUSINESS® Group Publisher Stacy Silver, Benjamin West Managing Partner Alan Benjamin, and Neil Locke of Neil Locke & Associates welcoming and thanking the evening event’s attendees, this year’s undertaking targeted Camp Pacific Heartland, a Los Angeles-area non-profit organization providing AIDS/HIV-afflicted children and adults the opportunity to experience summer camp.—Michael Billig