2006 Annual Report - Westgate Resorts Foundation

The mission of the Westgate Resorts
Foundation is to actively support
charitable activities in areas where our
Mission Statement
employees live and work. Emphasis
is placed on our employees, children,
women, families, seniors and other
local programs that improve the
quality of life in our communities.
T
he Westgate Resorts Foundation had another extraordinary year in 2006. Not only did
we distribute more grants to charities and individuals, but we reached new higher levels of
participation by all members of the Westgate family. The generosity of our employees, owners,
guests, vendors and business partners made it possible to make a significant difference in
the communities where our employees live and work.
We took a leadership position on some important issues related to children and families and
received recognition for innovative programs related to foster youth in Central Florida. Our
“Hands Up For Youth” program received significant publicity and support from the State of
Florida for its very direct impact on the important issue of young adults who are “aging out”
of the foster care system.
Additionally, we were able to help many deserving employees by awarding scholarships and
giving David’s Dollars Foundation grants to the people at Westgate who encountered serious
unforeseen emergencies in their lives. This kind of safety net for every employee is unique
among companies in this country and a solid statement that we are as dedicated to them as
they are to our company.
From the President
Encouraging kindness and
supporting those in need are
important functions in the
business of life. Westgate’s
spirit of giving, volunteering,
and compassion will continue,
as the needs continue
months and years ahead.
The Westgate Resorts Foundation has demonstrated its support for our communities and
employees by collecting and distributing over $9,000,000 since its inception in 2001. For
the first time this year, we gave out our first multi-year grants to certain groups that have
demonstrated fiscal responsibility and are providing very important programs for people
in need. By making this kind of commitment, we help everyone know that we are a solid
resource of support for charities that make our communities stronger.
A quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow sums it up this way, “The life of a person consists
not only in seeing visions and dreaming dreams but also in active charity and willing service.”
You have my commitment that this kind of compassionate activity will continue at even
greater levels in the future.
Thank you for everything you have done to get us here so we can confidently step forward to
provide even more support to those who need it most. I am very proud of all the members
of the Westgate family.
Very truly,
- David Siegel
President and CEO of Westgate Resorts
David A. Siegel – President
We’re truly
a caring company.
It is my intent that this caring knows no end.
-David Siegel
President and CEO of Westgate Resorts
Westgate Resorts Foundation
T
he Westgate Resorts Foundation has raised and contributed $7.5 million to
charities since its inception. These funds have been donated to organizations
that provide services for women, children, families, and seniors in Central Florida
and other communities where Westgate owns and operates resorts. The Westgate
Resorts Foundation is unique because every dollar is raised by Westgate employees,
executives, and business partners. In fact, it is widely known that a commitment to
the community is a prerequisite for conducting significant business with Westgate
Resorts. Additionally, David Siegel pays all of the administrative and operating costs
of the foundation to ensure that every dollar raised goes directly to people in need.
(Excluding certain taxes, licenses, bank charges and similar charges of this certified, 501(c)(3) organization’s
expenses, allowing 100 percent of the net funds donated to the program to be distributed to charities.
In connection with certain fundraising events, the Foundation may incur certain out of pocket expenses in
connection with such events, including event location rental fees, equipment rental, food costs, advertising and
similar expenses which are netted against the funds raised from particular fundraising events.)
2006 SOURCES OF FUNDS
Other (Interest, M&T, etc.)
18%
Employees*
20%
Events
13%
Vendors
23%
Owners/Guest Folios
26%
Source of Funds
T
he method by which the Foundation spends and invests its funds each year is
carried out by members of the board, the Foundation staff, and over a hundred
company employee volunteers. Everyone participating in this process recognizes
the importance of evaluating and selecting charities that provide services in the
communities where Westgate operates. In 2006, over 150 charities submitted
proposals that were assessed by this team from the Westgate family. Over 100
grants were given this year to groups who met or exceeded the selection criteria.
The charities supported by the Westgate Resorts Foundation have touched the lives
of tens of thousands of people both in our company and across the country.
In addition to the grants, another $320,000 was invested in the Westgate Resorts
Foundation’s endowment account. This important account has now reached a total
of almost $1 million.
2006
The David A. Siegel Society
Those who
bring sunshine
to the lives of others
cannot keep it
from themselves.
-James Matthew Barrie
The David A. Siegel Society was created by the Westgate Resorts Foundation in 2001 and recognizes individuals who contribute annual gifts of
$2,500 and above. The society is named in honor of the President and Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts, Mr. David A. Siegel, who is a respected
leader in the Central Florida business and philanthropic communities.
Bronze
$2,500 - $4,999
Dante Alzamora
AON Foundation
Anthony Barbera
Steven Burba
Lance Burns
James Campbell
Cheryl Catalano
Harry Cintron
Ernie Cummings
Amanda Dennis
William Donnelly
Dwayne Dukes
Gary & Lyn Edwards
Daric Fail
Lee Filteau
Gladys Franqui
Jimmy Fullbright
Carlos Gonzalez
Richard Grecni
Gary K. Grimes
Stacey Jackson
Arthur Kapetanksy
Mark Laurent
David Lawrence
Charles Layne
William Lewis
Tim Mackey
Jeanne McIntee
Gerald Miller
Richard Moore
David Neal
Charles Noe
Bob Normington
Denise Pagnini
John Palmer
George Palmere
Vince Parker
Earl Parr, Jr.
Pedro Parra
Gary Pearce, Jr.
Pinnacle Recovery, Inc.
Matthew Rakoczy
Michael Rodriguez
Paul Scusa
Alex Silva
Tom Sparks
Bernard Stein
Alberto Tamayo
Mariah Taylor
Kimi Thurn
Michael Toscano
Matthew & Michele Tracy
Debera Turner
Giuseppe Vicari
Roland Villanueva
Gregory Wagner
Wells Fargo Corporate Trust
Gloria Zemaitis
Silver
$5,000 - $9,999
Randal Bates
Contract Furnishings
Rick & Maria Drew
Steve Elker – KPMG
Paul Jessen – BB&T
Michelle Levy
Pamela Morgan
Mark Mrozinski
Steve Siegel
William Stoddard
Richard Stoun
Marco Torres
U.N.X. Incorporated
Dana Wadsworth
Gold
$10,000 - $24,999
Bank of America
CapitalSource Finance
Nelson Cienfuegos
Coca Cola Bottling Company
David Crabtree
IKON Office Solutions
Tom Dugan
Earthnet Consulting and
Qwest Communications
Jean Ellis
Bobby Fusik
Jim & Brenda Gissy
GMAC
Gerry Greenspoon
The Home Depot Supply
IKON Office Solutions
JK2 Holmes Constructors, Inc.
Judy Levy
Michael Marder
Paula Morabito – Ernst & Young
Residential Funding Corporation
Roger B. Kennedy, Inc.
Barry Siegel
Textron Financial
Mark & Karen Waltrip
Platinum
$25,000+
David A. Siegel
ICI Dulux
Pepsi Bottling Group
Superior Printers
The David A. Siegel Society
On behalf of the Women’s Crisis Center of Taney
County, I would like to take this opportunity to
thank you for your recent contribution of $10,000.
These funds will be used to help us continue
providing services to victims of domestic
violence and their children ... During these
times of looming budget cuts and a shaky
economy, it is comforting to know that
corporations, such as yours, are willing
to step in to support the women
and children that we serve.
- Becky Vermeire, Executive Director
The Crisis Center of Branson, Missouri
2006
Charitable
ORGANIZATIONS
A Gift for Teaching
Adult Literacy League
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association
Angel Flight Southeast
Arnold Palmer Hospital Foundation
BETA Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah
Black Stallion Literacy Program
Boy Scouts of America
Easter Seals Florida
Edgewood Children’s Ranch
Family Services of Metro Orlando
Fatone Family Foundation
Florida Hospital Foundation
Foundation for Osceola Education
Girl Scouts of America
Grandma’s House
Great Oaks Village
Habitat for Humanity
Harbor House
Health Central Foundation
National Down Syndrome Association
National Fire Safety Council
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Organization for Victim Assistance
New Hope for Kids
Orlando Ballet
Orlando Community and Youth Trust Inc.
Osceola County Council on Aging
Periwinkle National Theatre
Ronald McDonald House
Russell Home for Atypical Children
Safe Space
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas
Bridges of Light Foundation
Canine Companions for Independence
Central Florida Police Athletic League
Central Florida YMCA
Charlee Family Care Services
Cherish the Child
Children’s Home Society
Children’s Organ Transplant Association
Children’s Tumor Foundation
Christian Service Center
City of Life Foundation
Community Coordinated Care for Children
Community Foundation of Central Florida
Community Health Centers
Community Service Center of South Orange
Covenant House Florida, Inc.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Danny Gans Run for Children’s Charities
Dignity You Wear
Donald Diebel Jr. Good Samaritan Fund
Easter Bunny Foundation
Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida
Hi-Tech Tutoring Center
Hope and Help Center
Hospice of the Comforter
House of Hope
International SeaKeepers Society
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options
Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
Kinneret Council on Aging
Life for Kids
Lighthouse Central Florida
Lisa Merlin House
March of Dimes
Mending Hearts Charities
Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association
MicheLee Puppets
Morning Star School
Mountain Hope Clinic
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Nathaniel’s Hope
National Ability Center
Second Harvest Food Bank
Seniors First
Shade Tree
Shepherd’s Hope
Shepherd’s Promise
Shop With a Cop
Simon Youth Foundation
Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Mission
Special Olympics Florida
Springfield Victory Mission
The Gift of Swimming
The Mennello Museum
The Variety Club
Toys for Tots
UCP Child Development Center
United Arts
United Way of Sevier County
Universal Orlando Foundation
USO - Operation Care Package
Utah Families Foundation
Variety Early Learning Center
Women’s Crisis Center of Taney County
2006 Grants and Sponsorships
T
he Westgate Resorts
Foundation supports
local charities through grants,
sponsorships and in-kind
contributions. Countless pieces
of furniture and appliances
are donated each and every
year to local charities for use
in their programs. In 2006,
145 charities were supported
with gift certificates for stays
at Westgate Resorts totaling
$129,600. These charities
used the certificates in
fundraising efforts such as
silent auctions and raffles.
Westgate employees have also
contributed to company-wide
food drives, clothing drives and
toy drives to help individuals
and families in need.
The above list was current at time of printing and includes major contributions made
by the Westgate Resorts Foundation but not employee designated beneficiaries.
Word of Thanks
“Your generous donation of $10,000 will allow us
to help the thousands of families and individuals
needing our assistance this winter … Victory
Mission could not serve those in need, though,
without your generous giving. We are dependent
on your support in order to help those in need
throughout our community! We consider
ourselves blessed to have supporters like you
who share our passion for reaching out to those
that often feel hopeless!”
- James M. Harriger, Executive Director
Springfield (Missouri) Victory Mission
“Thank you so much for your recent gift of
$10,000 to benefit the Florida Children’s Hospital
Fund - Playhouse Promenade. Your support is
essential for Florida Hospital to remain at the
forefront in utilizing cutting edge technologies,
therapies, and treatments for cancer, heart
disease, diabetes, strokes and other illnesses that
impact our lives.”
- Des Cummings, Jr., President
Florida Hospital Foundation
How wonderful it is that
nobody need wait a single
moment before starting to
improve the world.
- Anne Frank
“On behalf of Cherish the Child Foundation
and the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home I
want to thank you for your generous $5,000
contribution to our organization. Donations from
organizations like yours are a vital part of our
existence. You have helped to make a difference
in the life of a child who needs and deserves a
chance. Your support is greatly appreciated!”
- Todd Rose, Executive Director
Smoky Mountain Children’s Home (Gatlinburg)
“The Lilley House is one of the only local shortterm emergency shelters for children who
range in age from newborn to 5 years and who
either are at risk of or are the victims of abuse,
neglect or abandonment. Children arrive at
our door at all hours of the day and night with
just the clothes on their backs and the physical
and emotional scars of their experiences.
Your incredible generosity will provide so many
children with a safe, comforting place to rest
and heal. Our Board of Directors, staff, and
our clients sincerely appreciate your continued
support of the CHS program.”
- Andry Sweet, Executive Director
Children’s Home Society of Central Florida
“Because you care, someone’s life will be changed
by Angel Flight Southeast! Maybe it’s a neighbor’s
child who needs a kidney transplant. Maybe it’s a
family member living in a shelter after a hurricane
that needs transportation to a safe haven with
family in another state. Maybe it’s the sightimpaired veteran from the neighborhood who
must travel to learn skills needed to maintain
his own independence without assistance …
Because you care, thousands of people will
be helped by the more than 3,500 free flights
provided by AFSE each year. Thank you for
investing in our mission through your gift of
$5,000 to Angel Flight Southeast.”
- Ted L. Farah, President & CEO
Angel Flight Southeast
“I am delighted to express appreciation to the
Westgate Resorts Foundation for the continued
support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah!
We always feel honored to be selected from
among so many worthy beneficiaries, and
we appreciate and value your commitment
to our mission and the children we serve.
For some of the children we serve, you will make
possible timely intervention. For others, you will
ensure access to adult mentors who believe in
their “Littles” and who are committed to their
success. And for other children, you will simply
yet profoundly provide access to a caring friend
just for them … Again, thank you!”
“ Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas would
like to thank you for the generous grant
donation of $10,000 provided by the Westgate
Resorts Foundation.
Every contribution of volunteer time, financial
aid or building materials is an expression of the
belief that all people deserve a safe and affordable
home … Your support is received with humility
and gratitude on behalf of Habitat for Humanity
Las Vegas staff and the deserving families whom
we serve. Thank you.”
- Guy Amato, President/CEO
Habitat for Humanity of Las Vegas
- Pam Sanders, President and CEO
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah
You cannot do a kindness
too soon, for you never know
how soon it will be too late.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Special Olympics Florida athletes have been and
continue making remarkable achievements! Their
spirit is indomitable and we consider ourselves
very fortunate to be a part of their lives and help
them fulfill their dreams! Your continued and
generous support is also remarkable and we are
fortunate to have you too, in our family - thank
you for awarding the very generous $10,000 grant
to benefit Special Olympics Florida … Together,
we can help children and adults with intellectual
disabilities to continue demonstrating courage
and experiencing joy. On behalf of Special
Olympics Florida athletes, family members, and
volunteers we offer our heartfelt appreciation for
your support - thank you, again, for helping to
celebrate the spirit!”
- Monty Castevens, President/CEO
Special Olympics of Florida
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and
volunteers of City of Life Foundation, thank
you for Westgate Resorts Foundation’s generous
donation of $5,000. Your company’s contribution
will be used to help children living in Central
Florida who are in foster homes to make the
transition to living independently … The Westgate
Resorts Foundation is truly helping to make
a difference in the lives of children. Thank you
again for all you are doing to help these youth.”
- Gerard F. Glynn, President
City of Life Foundation (Orlando)
Russell Home
Charity Spotlight
T
he Westgate Resorts Foundation has
developed a special relationship with
the Russell Home for Atypical Children. This
special charity is “home” for a number of
children and adults whose handicap prevents
their independent functioning in the community and their ability to enjoy a normal
life. The Russell Home operates without
the benefit of federal, state or local funding,
increasing their dependency on the generosity
and support of the community.
deliver some Christmas gifts and cheer during
the December Holiday Party!
In 2006, the Westgate Resorts Foundation
sponsored two “Fun Night” parties: a
September Pirate Party and a Holiday Party
in December. Both of these evenings were
filled with entertainment, including a DJ,
dancing and karaoke. The Foundation provided dinner and dessert for each of these
events, and each party had its own special
guest appearance. In September, the Russell
Home residents were delighted to meet a
pirate from Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, and
they were ecstatic when Santa arrived to
In addition to the two “Fun Night” parties,
Westgate has also replaced the cabinets
in the Russell Home nursery. Prior to the
renovation, the cabinets were falling apart
and coming off their hinges. Now the nursery
provides a more relaxing and functional
atmosphere for staff and residents alike. The
Foundation looks forward to continuing
their support of the Russell Home so they
may carry on with their mission of providing
care for this special group of individuals.
Foundation staff members and CareForce
volunteers served food, danced with Russell
Home residents, applied temporary tattoos,
and enjoyed watching the excitement of the
children and special adults. Everyone had
a wonderful time, and memories from that
evening will foster a great sense of happiness
for all involved in the years to come.
Thank You from the Russell Home ...
“ ... The support of the Westgate Resorts Foundation has truly been a blessing to the Russell
Home for Atypical Children.
We appreciate our Westgate friends because we know that you love our children and clients
and we thank you so much. Grandmother Russell would be so happy to know that her babies
are loved and taken care of by the community.
The smiles you put on the faces of our children and adults at the Fun Night parties you sponsored
can never be topped. We were treated like royalty, which is treatment that we seldom receive.
Also, without friends like you we would not have beautiful new cabinets in our Nursery, and
we would not have our new logo and new letterhead stationery and we would have never
met all of you and your wonderful friends, co-workers and family members.
Thank you again for all of the things you have done for our home. Always know
that you are welcome at The Russell Home and we look forward to a long future with
our Westgate friends ... ”
- Betty Turner, Childcare Coordinator
The Russell Home for Atypical Children
2
1
3
4
5
1 Dance floor heating up
2 Russell Allen, Executive Director of Orlando
Ballet with Jacqueline Siegel
3 Gala Committee members Tricia Earl,
Tari Kazaros, Chairwoman Jacqueline
Siegel, Nita Bass & Susan Ortega
4 Johnny Damon jersey sold during live auction
5 Silent Auction
6 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer & Johnny Damon
An Evening
on the Italian Riviera Gala
6
T
he Westgate Resorts Foundation’s
most prestigious fundraising event,
An Evening on the Italian Riviera, held on
March 18, 2006, raised over $300,000 to
benefit the Westgate Resorts Foundation
and Orlando Ballet.
This unique charitable event, hosted by
David and Jacqueline Siegel at their estate
on Seagull Island in Isleworth, brought the
Italian Riviera to Central Florida by featuring
the best of what Italian culture has to offer.
An exclusive fashion show featured top Italian designer clothing, luggage and jewelry
while an interactive live auction entertained
guests with exclusive, one-of-a-kind items.
New York Yankee Johnny Damon made
a guest appearance to show his support
and personally auction two of his own
autographed jerseys.
International cuisine, decadent desserts and
drinks were provided by more than eighteen
world-class restaurants and establishments
designed to indulge over 400 guests with
both signature and specialty dishes prepared
and served by top chefs for all to enjoy.
“ We designed this event to create an
important legacy for the charities and a
lasting memory for sponsors and those
attending,” said Jacqueline Siegel, event
chair. “Last year, our first annual event, An
Evening on the French Riviera, was a huge
success. This year we set the bar higher. We
wanted to significantly increase the money
raised in our second year and with the help
of our countless volunteers, generous donors
and guests we have proudly achieved that
goal. It’s a great feeling to be able to give
back to our community and a wonderful
accomplishment for all involved.”
SPECIAL OLYMPICS GALA
Westgate CareForce volunteers pose with Jim Payne of WESH Channel 2 News at the Special Olympics Gala
Foundation Highlights
POKER TOURNAMENT
Richard Siegel presents an award to the winner
of the First Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
benefiting the Westgate Resorts Foundation
Foundation staff members Rashida Bailey,
Ellen Tatich and Katelyn Ledford smile in delight
at the donations collected during the Poker Tournament
AN EVENING ON
THE ITALIAN RIVIERA
David Siegel with Robert Earl of Planet Hollywood
JACQUELINE SIEGEL’S BABY SHOWER
Purchasing & Logistics department staff members Tanya Wolan, Janet Ibarrando
and Gloria Blalock Howard show their support for children’s charities
REUNITE THE TIPPIE FAMILY EVENT
The Tippie children are reunited
at the fundraising event for their
benefit at Westgate Lakes
Edward and Tanya Tippie embrace after
receiving support from the Westgate
Resorts Foundation and the community
Susan Ortega, Nita Bass, Jacqueline Siegel, and Tari Kazaros enjoy themselves
at the baby shower benefiting “Life for Kids” and “Fertile Dreams”
RUSSELL HOME HOLIDAY PARTY
Foundation staff and CareForce volunteers serve
dinner to residents at the Russell Home
Scholarship Program
I
An investment
in knowledge
always pays the
best interest.
- Benjamin Franklin
n 1998 Valencia Community College
partnered with Westgate Resorts
Foundation and created an endowment to
honor the memories of Joseph F. Cordovano
and Chad Normington. The state of Florida
matched the funds that were raised by
Westgate Resorts in an effort to support the
endowment. Every Spring and Fall semester,
deserving employees and in some cases their
dependents, are awarded scholarships to help
offset the cost of attending classes at Valencia
Community College. In 2006, 15 employees were
awarded these scholarships totaling $3,750.
The Westgate Resorts Foundation followed the
lead from the success of the endowments, and
in 2003 created its own scholarship program.
Currently this program is available for any
accredited university or college within the
metropolitan areas of ALL Westgate Resorts
properties. In 2006 the Westgate Resorts
Foundation granted $18,482.97 in scholarships
to 84 commendable recipients!
Albertsons’ Community Partners Program
I
n the fall of 2005, Sherri Cortland was
standing in line at the Albertsons paying
for her groceries. She noticed a flier for the
Albertsons’ Community Partners Program
that said, “Fill your cart; fulfill your heart,”
and it outlined how Albertsons’ Preferred
Card holders can have up to 4% of the total
amount of their eligible purchases donated to
a non-profit organization, with no cost to the
participants. A light bulb went on in Sherri’s
head as she thought, “Free Money for the
Foundation!”
A man never stands as
tall as when he kneels
to help a child.
-Knights of Pythagoras
Children are the living
messages we send to a
time we will not see.
-John W. Whitehead
Sherri took the idea to the Foundation staff
who reviewed the program and authorized her
to put together what has come to be known
throughout the company as the “Albertsons’
Committee.” The Foundation board chose
the Children’s Home Society to be the
recipient of the monies generated through
this fundraising program. Having such an
important and worthwhile program to raise
money for sparked the Albertsons’ Committee
into action.
The Committee quickly put together a
campaign to sign up existing employees, and
through our Human Resources and Sales
Training departments, we continue to sign up
new employees every month. We currently
have over 2,800 employees shopping for the
Children’s Home Society; and even employees
who aren’t regulars at Albertsons have joined
our “shopping brigade” so that when they do
make a stop at an Albertsons, they’re helping
the kids too.
The Albertsons’ Community Partners Program
has raised thousands of dollars to date. Your
support will keep the money coming!
Special thanks to the Albertsons’ Committee:
Sherri Cortland, Jennifer Rakoczy, Michele
Tracy, Donnette Reid-King, Roland Villanueva,
Danae Hall, Lorraine Lawrence, Sharon
Sherrard, Shelly Koehler, Heidi Winkler, Angel
Rivera, Sujeil Gonzalez, Kathy Howard and
Tim Mackey.
Children’s Home Society
T
hanks to the support of Westgate Resorts
Foundation and the Westgate Resorts
employees, Children’s Home Society of Florida
(CHS) is able to help over 10,000 children and
families every year. CHS services range from
emergency shelters for abused, neglected
or abandoned children, supervised family
visitation, teen and at-risk parent education,
pregnancy counseling, adoption, foster care,
protective services, and mental health case
management for children to a full range of
outpatient counseling services for children
and families. Here is a closer look at a child
CHS was able to serve thanks to your help.
Christian’s world was never very consistent.
Christian’s parents were addicted to drugs.
Christian moved from place to place because
his parents’ drug problem
made it difficult to stay
employed so they never
lived in one place for very
long. When Christian
would cry in the middle
of the night, no one came
to care for him because
his parents would often leave the house for
extended periods of time. At barely one year
old, Christian had to fend for himself. When
Christian came to Children’s Home Society
of Florida, he was immediately linked with
a caring family to foster him. Thanks to
the community’s support of this program,
Christian is now adopted and starting a new
chapter in his young life.
In 2006, grants totaling nearly $100,000
were given out to Westgate’s employees
from the David’s Dollars Foundation.
The disbursements of these funds are as follows:
■ Covered nearly $40,000 in
rent and mortgage payments
■ Distributed over $9,000 to
assist employees with funeral
expenses of their dependents
as well as transportation
expenses to reach their loved
ones in times of emergency
■ Assisted 36 employees
with over $13,000 in
utilities and car payments
■ Contributed over $11,000
for these and other general
support purposes to
employees who encountered
unforeseen emergencies
■ Donated hundreds of free
room nights at Westgate
properties for employees
who experienced an
unfortunate emergency
situation that forced them
to find short-term alternate
living arrangements
One of the driving forces behind all of the fundraising activities is the David’s Dollars Foundation, which is one of the principal beneficiaries of the
Westgate Resorts Foundation. The David’s Dollars Foundation was created to provide a safety net for employees when an unforeseen tragedy occurs in
their life. Over the past several years, the David’s Dollars Foundation has provided over $1.1 million to Westgate employees for a wide range of support
and services that include medical equipment, emergency housing, travel to visit sick relatives, and unfortunately, funeral expenses.
As an additional source of assistance for our employees, an annual toy drive is held prior to the holidays. Employees are given their choice of gifts and
stocking stuffers for their minor children. In addition, company-wide food and clothing drives are held to benefit local charities with the understanding
that, if requested, the charities will give priority assistance to Westgate employees in need.
To the Westgate Family:
Dear Foundation:
To the Westgate Foundation:
Dear Foundation:
As you may have noticed, we addressed
you as family, and that is how we truly
feel about all of you. Thank you very
much for the plane tickets to our country.
Without your help we would not have
been able to say goodbye to our son.
Thank you to Mr. David Siegel and the
Foundation staff. I truly don’t know what
I would have done without you all; again,
I thank you. Westgate Resorts is definitely
a company that is family oriented and
cares for their employees as well as their
guests. I’m pleased to have come into a
company with such great hospitality.
I would like to take the time to express
my sincere gratitude for your assistance
during my family’s time of need. It is nice
to know that I work for a company that
takes the time to care for their employees
and their families. I have told, and will
continue to tell, my fellow employees how
great the Westgate Resorts Foundation
is and how important it is to donate to
such a good cause. Again, thank you for
all that you do.
We have been home for a while now, but
our memories of our wonderful trip still
keep us smiling! There are not enough
words in the English language to express
our deepest gratitude to you and your
staff for all your kindness and assistance.
I have enclosed a picture of Hannah
for you and your team. I know how
uplifting it is for us to see her radiant,
smiling little face and perhaps your
contributors would like to see how their
generosity in giving makes a small child’s
face light up. Thank you for helping
her dreams come true!
My husband and I would like to thank
you for your concern and kindness
regarding the loss of our son. It is a
pleasure to know that I work with such
kind people. We feel that with more
people like you around, this world would
be a better place.
- E.C.
“My family and I would like to thank
you for your assistance. The gift card
was much needed and appreciated at
the start of the school year. It is times
like this that I’m blessed to be a part of
the Westgate family. We’ve been given
the opportunity for a new start with the
assistance given to us by the Foundation.
You have helped us be together.”
- D.F. & Family
- R.C.
To the Westgate Resorts Foundation:
Thank you for giving me the chance to go
to my grandmother’s funeral. I am very
thankful that the Foundation helped me
in such short notice by purchasing my
airline tickets to fly home. I wouldn’t
have been able to go without the gift
you all gave me. The Westgate Resorts
Foundation is truly a special organization
that I had taken for granted until now.
Now I see just what it can do and I am
going to try to give back to it as much as
possible in donations from my earnings.
Thank you again; you will never know
how you have touched my life.
- J.P.
- J.W.
To the David’s Dollars Foundation:
I really appreciate your help in getting
me new hearing aids. It was a difficult
time for me to get these and I was in
serious need of them. I would like to
take this moment to express my sincere
appreciation for the gesture of your
donation and what it has provided me.
I am very thankful to be part of a group
of people that care and that can make
dreams come true!
- J.M.
- The Hampson Family
Hi-Tech Tutoring Center
Shoot for
the moon.
Even if you
miss, you’ll
land among
the stars.
- Les Brown
A
s further evidence of the Westgate
Resorts Foundation’s commitment
to our communities, the Westgate Resorts
Foundation along with the Lake Ellenor
Call Center have teamed up to help the
Hi-Tech Tutoring Center, a tutoring center
for underprivileged children in Orlando.
According to Ernestine Mosley, the Center’s
Executive Director, “There was a real need
for a safe place where children of lowincome families could go after school that
would compare to the standard after-school
programs.” The children that visit the Hi-Tech
Tutoring Center are from homes that might
have a computer but no access to the Internet.
In addition to the after-school program, the
Center also holds an eight-week summer camp
to help students practice and retain what they
learned over the school year. The computers
and Internet access help the kids improve
their learning and technical skills.
Thanks to the Westgate family, the Hi-Tech
Tutoring Center now has a “renewed
atmosphere for learning.” Below is a list of
some of the contributions from Westgate:
■ After learning that the Center had
networking issues and many computers
weren’t working, Westgate donated 16
computers to the center.
■ Volunteers sacrificed their Saturday to update
the Center’s appearance and technology by
painting the walls, cleaning the carpets, and
networking all the computers so they would
have access to the Internet.
■ The Lake Ellenor Call Center held a school
supply drive to provide fully-stocked
backpacks to the students at the Center.
■ Westgate donated professional signage for
the Center.
■ In October of 2006, the Hi-Tech Tutoring
Center held a “Fall for Fun Festival” to
celebrate their 15th anniversary. The
Westgate Resorts Foundation participated
by providing the food and volunteers to
make this event a great success.
Thank-You From Hi-Tech
“ Words cannot express the joy
and excitement students and staff
expressed when they saw the newly
painted walls. The tutoring center
is bright and cheery and we have a
renewed atmosphere for learning.
We do so appreciate you and all of the
volunteers who helped to improve
the Center. It was a real sacrifice for
the volunteers to take their time on
a Saturday and do such a superb job.
Also, please accept our sincere
appreciation for the generous donation
of time, effort, food, volunteers, and
all of the other wonderful things
that you made possible through the
Westgate Resorts Foundation for our
Fall for Fun Festival. Additionally, we
are very grateful for the outstanding
job the IT volunteers did to upgrade
our technology at the tutoring center.
This upgrade makes it possible for
students to learn everything they can
to be successful in school, at home
and in life. We will continue to work
hard to help our struggling students
experience success.”
- Ernestine P. Mosley, Executive Director
Hi-Tech Tutoring Center, Inc.
Bob Normington accepts the Governor’s Community
Investment Award on behalf of Westgate Resorts.
(From left to right) Jim Graden (Board member of Florida
Juvenile Justice Foundation), Columba Bush (Florida’s
First Lady), Patrick Buffa (City of Life Foundation), Bob
Normington (Westgate Resorts), Denise Hogan (City of
Life Foundation), Gerry Glynn (President of City of Life
Foundation), and Anthony Schembri (Secretary of the
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice)
Hands Up To Youth
W
Westgate’s “A Hand Up To Youth”
program provides opportunities for
youths who are 18 years of age and older and
aging out of the foster care system. Over 170
children in the Greater Orlando Area face this
dilemma each year. Many of these youths,
statistically, have become part of the Juvenile
Justice System due to a lack of adult support
throughout their lives.
Westgate employees have spent hundreds of
hours in support of the 6 youths presently
sponsored. This partnership is the first of its
kind, not only in the state of Florida, but also
unique in the country. It is our hope that other
employers across the nation will replicate
this program to give high risk youths the
opportunity to become successful adults who
can, in turn, give back to their communities.
Often these youths have very little stable job
experience and stable life experiences, which
make them high risk for successful independent
living. Westgate Resorts wanted to help these
youths establish themselves as productive
workers and citizens in our community.
Westgate Resorts in partnership with The City
of Life and Family Services of Metro Orlando
are making the commitment to help youths
learn the necessary job skills to be productive
workers. Westgate Resorts has provided onthe-job learning opportunities, job coaches,
affordable housing and the support for youths
to continue their educational experiences.
“We are giving youth the opportunity for a
good job and a chance to live on their own,”
said Bob Normington, general manager at
Westgate Resorts. “We challenge them to
work, establish credit and manage money.
They’re figuring things out now and doing a
great job.”
From executives to coworkers, Westgate
Resorts employees have taken a vested interest
in the success of these youths. Collectively,
The “Hand Up To Youth” program has
received publicity in the Orlando Sentinel and
on WESH Channel 2 news. In June of 2006,
Westgate Resorts was awarded the annual
Governor’s Community Investment Award
for the “Hand Up To Youth” program. The
award was presented by Columba Bush and
the Department of Juvenile Justice at the state
capitol in Tallahassee.
John Andrews Success Story
J
I have gotten a lot
out of this program.
Others should take
advantage of this.
Don’t be scared.
Just get out there,
and keep trying
to succeed.
- John Andrews
Participant of the
“Hand Up To Youth” program
ohn Andrews, a participant of the “Hand
Up To Youth” program, has proven that he
is out to achieve greatness. A foster child since
age 6, John has gone through many struggles.
After finding permanency through an adoptive
family, John was abused and returned to the
foster care system, once again let down by a
family he trusted. At age 18, John was suddenly
faced with a new dilemma – he was aging out
of the foster care system.
After having some difficulty in finding a job
and housing, John was offered help through
the “Hand Up To Youth” program. This unique
program is designed to provide youth with
jobs, affordable housing and life skills. Today,
John is working at Westgate. He is training to
be an air conditioning technician. He began
trade school in August of 2006 and is obtaining
on-site experience at the resort. John has also
set positive goals for his future. He would like
to one day attend business school and open a
business of his own.
During the month of October, John was
awarded Employee of the Month. This award
was in addition to his promotion to Certified
Field Trainer and supervisor. The Westgate
family is proud of John’s accomplishments
and looks forward to watching him grow even
more in the future.
The Westgate Care Force
It was my complete
pleasure to take part in
Saturday’s event. Recently
I have felt the need to place
focus on more positive
places and I found that in
so many faces on Saturday!
This was my first event and
it won’t be the last!
- Michelle Baker
(a CareForce Volunteer)
What we have
done for ourselves
alone dies with us;
what we have done
for others and the
world remains and
is immortal.
- Albert Pike
V
olunteerism is important
to many employees at
Westgate Resorts because, in
addition to cash donations,
it is one of the most precious
and powerful gifts we can
contribute to those in need.
As further evidence of the
comp any ’s commitment
to our local communities,
the Westgate CareForce was launched in 2003.
This company-wide volunteer program mobilizes,
coordinates, facilitates and directs the community
volunteer activities of Westgate employees in areas
where they live and work.
With over 1,000 Westgate employees currently in the
CareForce database, no opportunity is too big or too
small. Whether it is scooping ice cream at Give Kids The
World or participating in the Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk, the CareForce is there. Westgate
Resorts is proud to have dedicated employees who give
of themselves throughout the year to these and other
worthy causes. If you are interested in becoming a
member of the Westgate CareForce, or would like to use
the services of our volunteers for your favorite charity,
please email volunteer@wgresorts.com.
Volunteers
don’t get paid,
not because they’re
worthless, but
because they’re
priceless.
- Sherry Anderson
Westgate Resorts Foundation
Board of Directors
David A. Siegel
– President
Dave Crabtree
Tom Dugan
Jim Gissy
Jean MacNeal
Crisa Marder
Barry Siegel
Jacqueline Siegel
Richard Siegel
Steve Siegel
Karen Waltrip
Mark Waltrip
Foundation Staff
Allan Chernoff
– Executive Director
Ellen Tatich
– Director
Rashida Bailey
Katelyn Ledford
Rebecca Rogers
Special Thanks to:
Jean MacNeal
Maria Elaina Santiago
CFI Travel
Creative Design Department
Creative Entertainment Department
Corporate and Tax Accounting Departments
Cash Management and Payroll Departments
Food and Beverage Department
Owner Relations Department
Purchasing and Logistics Operations Department
Westgate Information Department
Resort Operations Team
Mystery Fun House Staff
CareForce Volunteers
Gala Committee
Grant Review Committee
Poker Tournament Committee
Scholarship Committee
Team Captains
WGF-36829