ET African Journeys Mama Hope Fund-Raising Trek up Mount Kilimanjaro Features Gourmet Feast by Chef Pierre Thiam at World’s Highest Pop-up Restaurant

African safari and tour provider ET African Journeys has partnered with Mama Hope, a non-profit organization that invests in projects that bring food, security, clean water, education and health care to African communities in need, to offer the Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition, a hike to benefit Moshi, Tanzania’s St. Timothy’s School. Departing on Tuesday, July 30th, this one-of-a-kind trek up Africa’s highest mountain boasts an amenity that no other tour provider offers: a gourmet feast prepared by world-renowned African Chef Pierre Thiam at the world’s highest-altitude pop-up restaurant. Chef Thiam will open the temporary restaurant at a base camp at 12,500 feet above sea level exclusively to celebrate the fund-raising climb. After summiting Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route, climbers will descend to the base camp restaurant to dine on Chef Thiam’s specially-prepared African regional cuisine, while enjoying views of the surrounding forests and grasslands.

Following the hike, travelers will spend two days volunteering at St. Timothy’s School, a school and children’s home built by Mama Hope and partnering organization, The Tanzania Children Concern, to educate Tanzanian orphans. Mama Hope’s community-centered development approach enabled St. Timothy’s to employ over 600 workers from the local community in the construction of the school.

“We are now focused on funding the construction of a boarding house on the St. Timothy’s compound, which will give the region’s orphans a home as well as an education,” said Mama Hope founder Nyla Rodgers. “This trip is a wonderful way to get Americans to come to Africa and get involved with a very worthy cause.”

“Adventurers who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro don’t typically need much enticing, but this trip offers so much more than the satisfaction of the climb,” added ET African Journeys Vice President of Business Development Gilad Goren, who conceived of the trip concept with Rodgers. “It’s a chance to raise funds for a great cause, volunteer at a school and meet the children they are helping and, as an added perk, enjoy possibly the most unique dining experience of their lives, forgoing trail mix for a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Thiam.”

The Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition is available for $3,500, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Timothy’s School. Price includes lodging, Kilimanjaro climb and gourmet meal. For more information, call 800-662-5406 or visit www.etafricanjourneys.com/mamahope.

Mama Hope works in close partnership with local African organizations to connect them with the resources required to transform their own communities. The organization’s projects are managed for and by partner communities themselves to ensure sustainability. With a mission to fund the completion of schools, health clinics, children’s centers, clean water systems and food security projects.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

3rd Annual Long Trail Century Ride to Benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Set for June 22

The third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports returns to Vermont again this spring, where cyclists of all abilities can ride a century, 50- or 20-mile course to raise funds and awareness for disabled sports programming. Adaptive athletes are sponsored and ride for free.

After what came together in less than six weeks in 2011 for its inaugural ride, thanks to the inspiration of Lookout Tavern owner Phil Black, the third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive will be held on Saturday, June 22. Nearly three hundred riders from around New England and up and down the East Coast participated in 2012. Up to 500 riders are expected to participate in this year’s fundraising event. An après-ride party, featuring live music and entertainment plus kid and family activities, will be held after the ride at the brewery for all to enjoy – riders, spectators and visitors alike.

The century ride, plus 50- and 20-mile routes, will start and end at the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners. The routes will travel through Killington and surrounding communities including Irene-survived Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Bethel, Woodstock, and Ludlow.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “We extend an enormous thanks to Phil for starting this ride for us and to Long Trail and also to Killington Resort, who help us to provide an event of this caliber. Everyone in the community has been very supportive of our efforts, and the ride will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate.”

The recreational rides loop through the towns of Killington, Pittsfield, Bethel, Barnard, Woodstock, Ludlow, Bridgewater, and Plymouth, Vermont. Quaint villages, the scenery of Route 100 and U.S. Route 4, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway, the seventh of its kind recently designated by the Vermont Transportation Board, are incorporated into the routes.

All riders and volunteers receive entry to the “Après-Ride” party, and additional party tickets are available for $15/adults and $10/kids.

Cyclists will check-in Friday night at a pre-ride party at the Umbrella Bar at Killington Resort, and rides begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday from the brewery on Route 4. All registrants will receive a lift ticket voucher to ski or ride Killington Resort during the 2013-2014 season, and those who raise an additional $300 or more will receive a special Long Trail Brewing cycling jersey.

Rider registration includes a Century Ride wicking t-shirt, food and support at aid stations during the ride, entry to the après-ride party complete with food and entertainment, plus a commemorative pint glass. There is no day of registration for the ride, and registration is limited to a total of 500 riders. Everyone is welcome to attend the “Après-Ride Party” and advance tickets are available for the party. Registration, pricing, information, and advance-ticket purchase to the party can be found at www.longtrailcenturyride.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

The Long Trail Brewing Company, a key sponsor of the event, is located in Bridgewater Corners, Vt. and has been producing an exceptional family of fine ales since 1989. Today, as the leading handcrafted beer in Vermont, Long Trail has demonstrated it fills a niche in the market for quality craft beer. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, Long Trail takes the words “environmentally conscious” seriously and lives that eco-minded philosophy every day at the brewery. Long Trail’s facility is truly unique, as it was designed to minimize the impact on our environment and was recognized in 2009 by receiving the Vermont Governor’s Award in Environmental Excellence for resource conservation. Also, Vermont’s Green Mountain Environment Association has named the water produced by the brewery’s artisan wells as “Vermont’s best drinking water.” For more information, visit www.longtrail.com.

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Travcoa Develops New Collection of Itineraries Incorporating Philanthropic Initiatives

Travcoa, a world leader in luxury travel, is continuing its support of socially responsible travel by launching a new collection of philanthropic-focused journeys for 2013.

Collaborating with social enterprises and NGOs (non-governmental organizations), the new collection will engage Travcoa guests in outreach programs that support and empower community self-reliance, health, education and the conservation of traditional cultures, wildlife and natural resources. These life-changing experiences will enable Travcoa guests to contribute positively to the destinations they visit, and in turn rewarding them with a source of deep personal fulfillment.

“The benefits of philanthropic-focused travel are multi-faceted,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “Many of our guests already contribute to important causes in their daily life and they also want to make a difference in the communities they visit. By traveling with Travcoa, our guests will discover that together they can help support the local economy and impact the lives of the people they meet. Travcoa’s expanded philanthropic efforts will engage and inspire our guests through active and authentic encounters that focus on key issues facing the places we visit. These journeys will provide our guests with an opportunity to ‘give back’ while they travel.”

Travcoa is aligning 2013 product development with suppliers that engage in sustainable initiatives and work respectfully with indigenous communities and conservation-focused organizations. The company’s goal is that by the end of 2013 at least 50 percent of their suppliers be actively involved in socially responsible initiatives, and that an equal percentage of Travcoa itineraries incorporate at least one project visit per journey.

The brand new collection of philanthropic- and Corporate Social Responsibility-focused journeys will go hand-in-hand with projects that Travcoa and its guests currently support:

• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya — Travcoa sponsors an infant elephant on behalf of each guest traveling on the Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey.

• The Gandhi Ashram School in Sikkim — Guests on the Festivals of Bhutan Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

• Huilloc Community in the Urubamba Valley — Travcoa makes a donation on behalf of guests who visit the community while traveling on the Hiram Bingham’s Hidden Peru Escorted Journey.

• The Lotus Children’s Center in Mongolia — Guests on the Sands of Time: Mongolia & the Gobi Desert Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual traveler specifications. For information, visit www.travcoa.com/.
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Africa Point to plant 10,000 trees on Mount Kenya in a web based social networking initiative

Africa Point Ltd will be joined by Capital FM, East African Wildlife Society and other partners, Saturday, November 19, 2011, as they plant 10,000 trees on Mount Kenya through an initiative that encourages the use of web based social networking to help save the mountain’s rapidly receding glacier.

The trees to be planted at Gathiuro and Hombe parts of Mount Kenya will be the first instalment of a total of 100,000 trees that will be planted by Africa point and partners within five years.

According to Africa Point managing director Andrew Muigai, global warming has seen glaciers on Mount Kenya receding at an alarming rate and scientists predict they could be wiped out soon if urgent measures are not taken.

“Research compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) shows that seven out of 18 glaciers present atop Mount Kenya in 1900 had disappeared by 1986 and the remaining 11 glaciers had lost between 60 per cent and 92 per cent of their area, said Mr Muigai.

Muigai said the use of social media networking sites is rapidly gaining acceptance as a part of internet marketing strategies in many businesses worldwide, and this can be replicated in the environmental conservation arena.

“Everywhere we turn, we see the constant reference to social media. It is a wonderful tool to spread information to many people, in a very short time,” he said.

Africa Point believes this tree planting campaign will in the long run help reverse the adverse effects of global warming on the snow caps of Mount Kenya.

The event takes place Saturday, November 19, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Gathioro and Hombe parts of Mount Kenya.

To learn more about the Save Mount Kenya Campaign and to participate, visit http://www.africapoint.com/savemountkenya.php. To learn more about Africa Point visit the company website – http://www.africapoint.com.

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Killington Holds Online Auction to Help Vermont Farmers

Many Vermonters including local farmers lost everything in tropical storm Irene. Many people are already helping the storm recovery in a variety of ways, however, here’s another chance to offer your support.

Killington Resort created an online auction, “From the Ground Up,” to assist Vermont farms that sustained damage from tropical storm Irene. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund to help local farmers begin to rebuild.

Starting September 12, 2011 at 8 p.m. EST, From the Ground Up will open online for bidding on items such as an Unlimited 2011-12 Killington season pass, first gondola ride of the 2011-12 season, two VIP passes to any one of the 2011-12 Dew Tour stops, including 2 one-day lift tickets to the host resort, one week of Woodward Camp at Cooper Mountain, Red Sox tickets for four at the Budweiser Roof Deck Table, a Burton Nug snowboard signed by Jake Burton and much more.

Fortunately, Killington Resort received minimal damage from tropical storm Irene, however, many of our local farmers lost everything. From the Ground Up online auction will help Vermont farmers replace infrastructure as well as help cover losses sustained from the storm.

Killington Resort expressed gratitude for the generous auction items provided by local businesses as well as Resort partners and sponsors.

From the Ground Up auction bidding will conclude on September 25, 2011 at 8 p.m. EST.

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Adventure Center Donates $10 to UNICEF’s “Horn of Africa” Program for Each Africa Booking Made by Oct. 31

A guide eases the mokoro over flat water at sunset in the Okavango Delta © 2011 Eric Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

Adventure Center travelers navigate the diverse landscape of Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe on its 22-Day “Deserts, Rivers & Wildlife” small-group tour – and give back to the African community while they do it.

For each booking made before Oct. 31 on any of Adventure Center’s diverse array of Africa tours, including those in Egypt and Morocco, the company will donate $10 to UNICEF’s “Horn of Africa” program. As the tour makes its way from Cape Town to Livingstone, to its final stop at the renowned Victoria Falls, it takes in the semi-arid Kalahari Desert, the impressive Okavango River, and Augrables Falls National Park, home to the mighty Orange River and a remarkable gorge.

Other highlights are the Namib Desert, which forms part of Africa’s largest game reserve, Naukluft National Park; Etosha National Park, a reserve and game sanctuary that houses blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant and kubu; and a visit with the semi-nomadic Himba tribesmen. Pricing for the seven 2011 departures range from $4,889 to $5,039 per person; dates and pricing for 2012 departures will be available this fall.

After a drive along the Atlantic seaboard and a cable car ride up the flat-topped Table Mountain, the group visits the historic town of Calvinia, nestled at the foot of the Hantam Mountains, and then travels through vibrant wine farms on the way to Augrabies Falls National Park. After admiring the “place of big noises,” as the falls were named by the Trek Boers, the trip spends two days each in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where game drives allow for glimpses of the black mane lion, and the world’s second largest canyon, Fish River Canyon.

Other stops include seeing the changing colors of the world’s highest sand dunes in Sesriem; spending time in Swakopmund, a seaside resort in northwestern Namibia; enjoying the spectacular mountaintop views in Damaraland; visiting the Himba tribe; and taking a game drive through Etosha National Park, home to thousands of African animals. Travelers can swim in the famous “river pool” of the Okavango River before crossing into Botswana for a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. The tour ends in Livingtstone with a visit to the dramatic Victoria Falls.

An array of optional tours and activities allow guests to customize their South African adventure. In Swakopmund, there is the aerial view of the German colonial town from a hot air balloon or activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving and kayaking. Bird walks, game drives and mokoro (canoe) excursions are all available during the two-day stay near the Okavango River. Adrenaline-infused options in Livingstone include white water rafting, bungee jumping, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, visits to Victoria Falls and airplane or helicopter flights.

The tour package includes 20 nights’ lodge, chalet and small hotel/guest house accommodation; 21 breakfasts; professional tour guide; game drives, activities and park fees as specified in the itinerary; airport transfers: pick-up at Cape Town Airport, drop-off at Livingstone Airport; and transport throughout. International air, optional activities, drinks, meals not indicated within the itinerary, gratuities and visas are extra. A meal package including 13 buffet-style dinners can be pre-purchased for $449. Group size ranges from four to 16 participants.

Booking information, brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Adventure Center’s visitor-friendly web site, www.adventurecenter.com; or by phone: U.S. (800) 228-8747; Canada (866) 338-8735. Canadian travel agents needing bulk orders of brochures can order them at www.hippoexpress.com in Canada while U.S. agents should call Adventure Center.

Adventure Center has provided world-class, affordably priced adventure travel experiences with one-on-one advice for more than 35 years. Adventure Center’s Travel Specialists have personally traveled to more than 130 countries and offer knowledgeable guidance to guests in selecting an “adventure of a lifetime.”

See also:

BOTSWANA-ZIMBABWE CAMPING SAFARI PROVES TO BE WILD EXPERIENCE

 
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Loews Hotels, Donorschoose.org, Raising Funds for Local Public Schools, August 19

Loews Portofino Hotel, Orlando © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Loews Hotels is jump-starting the 2011 academic school year in partnership with Donorschoose.org, a web-based not-for-profit that enables individual donors to provide essential classroom tools for public schools in need.

On Friday, August 19 each of the 16 American hotels will invite guests to visit the DonorsChoose.org school desk in the lobby to help allocate the hotel’s charitable funds to a classroom project of their choice.

One hundred percent of the hotels’ funds—approximately $100,000— will be donated over the course of the day in communities across the country from New York City to San Diego.

“Classroom supplies are the foundation of a child’s success but, due to budget cuts, many teachers are severely lacking the basic tools they need,” said Nancy Mendelson, Loews Hotels Senior Vice President Branding & Communication. “This back to school effort will allow our guests to experience the power of DonorsChoose.org in supporting education and empowering children.”

Public school teachers in the United States spent more than $1.33 billion out of pocket on school supplies and instructional materials in the 2009-2010 school year, according to researched released in June 2010 by the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA), a trade association for educational product companies.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous support of Loews Hotels in helping teachers across the country acquire the materials and resources their students need in the classroom, especially at the start of the school year,” said Charles Best, CEO of DonorsChoose.org.

In 2010, Loews Hotels celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Good Neighbor program by partnering with DonorsChoose.org in an effort to improve public education. Over the last year and a half, Loews’ team members have raised funds by organizing car washes, bake sales, golf tournaments and making individual donations to support education in their local communities. Loews Hotels impacted more than 60,000 students in 2010 with over $130,000 in donations.

About DonorsChoose.org
Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org (www.donorschoose.org) is a nonprofit website where public school teachers describe specific educational projects for their students, and donors can choose the projects they want to support. After completing a project, the donor hears back from the classroom they supported in the form of photographs and teacher thank-you letters. To date, 185,000 public and charter school teachers have used the site to secure funding for $85 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn. Through DonorsChoose.org, individuals from all walks of life have helped 5 million students.

About Loews Hotels
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including the newest 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel opened April 1, 2010. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

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Gaylord Hotels Package Benefits Wounded Warrior Project

Gaylord National Resort just outside Washington DC. Guests who stay at any of the Gaylord Hotels this May now have the opportunity to help Wounded Warrior Project honor and empower America’s injured service men and women © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Guests who stay at Gaylord Hotels this May now have the opportunity to help Wounded Warrior Project honor and empower America’s injured service men and women.

Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is the featured charity for Gaylord Hotels’ Rooms for Good co-operative marketing and fundraising program for the month of May. The organization will receive 10 percent of the Rooms for Good package rate booked at all four of the brand’s resorts.

“Our goal is to provide unique programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members,” said Wounded Warrior Project Chief Development Officer Adam Silva. “It’s through the help of organizations like Gaylord Hotels and their Rooms for Good campaign that we’re able to continue this important work and support those who have given so much in defense of our country.”

Rooms for Good packages start at $179* per couple and include one-night accommodations and breakfast for two. A discounted package rate of $139* per couple is available for active and retired military.

The Rooms for Good program will feature a different charity each month. In addition to raising money for non-profit organizations, Gaylord Hotels will also raise awareness of the cause through its advertising, public relations and social media platforms.

“Our Rooms for Good program gives guests a chance to get away while giving back to an important cause,” said Amy Atkinson, Gaylord Hotels’ vice president of leisure marketing and public relations. “We are honored to support Wounded Warrior Project as they work to positively impact the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Over 40,000 troops have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Whether through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services, or adaptive sporting opportunities, WWP empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.

 *The rate varies per resort and excludes tax, parking and resort fee. More information is available at www.RoomsForGood.com

About Gaylord Hotels®
Owned and operated by Nashville, Tenn.-based Gaylord Entertainment, Gaylord Hotels^® is a collection of four upscale resorts: Gaylord Opryland^® in Nashville, Tenn.; Gaylord Palms^® in Kissimmee, Fla., near Orlando; Gaylord Texan^® on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas, and Gaylord National^® on the Potomac in National Harbor, Md. The brand’s hallmark— “everything in one place”— provides diverse dining options, quality spa and fitness center services, top-notch entertainment, on-site shopping and endless activities—all within each resort. For additional information, visit www.gaylordhotels.com.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) raises awareness and enlists the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, helps injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and provides unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

See also:

Gaylord National Resort turns family trip to Nation’s Capital into true vacation and slideshow

On the Town in Nashville, Music City U.S.A.