Greensboro, North Carolina, August 18, 2010 -- Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, is giving back to the community through donations to several children-focused charities, in conjunction with the Wyndham Championship, currently being held at the Sedgefield Country Club now through August 22.
Through the company’s Wishes by Wyndham philanthropic program, contributions will be made throughout the day, which has been dubbed a “Day of Giving,” beginning with a $25,000 donation to First Tee of the Triad and Victory Junction, on behalf of Wishes by Wyndham, the PGA TOUR Wives Association, and Furnitureland South. The children’s charities will receive the donation at 10:30 a.m. at Furnitureland South in Jamestown, N.C. in conjunction with the store’s “The Price is Right” game which enables customers to play for more than $30,000 in home furnishings and will feature an appearance by CBS commentator Peter Oosterhuis.
In partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, Wyndham Worldwide will unveil a Fun Center to pediatric patients and hospital staff at NC Brenner Children’s Hospital at 3 p.m. The company will be joined by PGA TOUR players competing in the Wyndham Championship. Designed to provide a welcome distraction and virtual escape from hospitalized children’s tests and treatments, the Fun Center includes a Nintendo Wii™ gaming system, a Sharp® Aquos™ LCD TV, and a DVD player.
At 6 p.m., Wishes by Wyndham will present a donation of $50,000 to Victory Junction, the official charity of the Wyndham Championship, during an evening celebration at the Grandover Resort. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty of NASCAR® fame, Victory Junction, which offers a year-round camping environment for children ages six to sixteen with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses, is part of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps – one of Wyndham Worldwide’s three Wishes by Wyndham signature charities.
Starlight Children’s Foundation, which helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities, and Christel House International, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to help children around the world break the cycle of poverty and become self–sufficient, contributing members of their societies, are also signature charities.
“We are honored to partner with each of these charitable organizations who share Wyndham Worldwide’s mission to support our communities by helping children in need,” said Wyndham Worldwide chairman and chief executive officer Stephen P. Holmes. “Today’s ’Day of Giving’ will be packed with contributions to local charities and focused on inspiring more companies and individuals to assist others whenever possible.”
The giving will not end today. Wyndham Worldwide is continually focused on philanthropy and improving the lives of others. In that sprit, now through November 30, Wyndham Worldwide will donate $1.00 each time a new fan “likes” the Wyndham Worldwide Facebook page, up to $60,000. The total amount raised will be equally divided between Wyndham Worldwide’s three signature charities.
First Tee of the Triad is a non-profit organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing the facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee uses golf as the vehicle through which kids can accomplish their dreams, thrive socially, and excel academically and athletically. The organization believes young people from all backgrounds can become productive members of society with integrity, strong family values and commitment to community.
About Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
As one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, Wyndham Worldwide offers individual consumers and business-to-business customers a broad suite of hospitality products and services across various accommodation alternatives and price ranges through its premier portfolio of world-renowned brands. Wyndham Hotel Group encompasses approximately 7,160 franchised hotels and approximately 606,800 hotel rooms worldwide. Wyndham Exchange & Rentals offers leisure travelers, including its 3.8 million members, access to over 80,000 vacation properties located in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its network of over 155 vacation ownership resorts serving over 820,000 owners throughout North America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Wyndham Worldwide, headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., employs approximately 25,000 employees globally.
About Furnitureland South
With more than 1 million square feet of home furnishings and accessories, Furnitureland South provides acres of exquisitely designed vignettes, expert designers and a white-glove national delivery service. The store is a multi-day destination for discerning consumers from every state and many foreign countries.