2004 Annual Report - Westgate Resorts Foundation

Annual Report 2004
“Doing well by doing good”
The mission of the Westgate Resorts Foundation is to actively support
charitable activities in areas where our 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.
Mission Statement
“It is my belief that great communities are built by their citizens working together to improve the quality of life. Westgate’s spirit of giving,
volunteering, and compassion will continue, as the needs continue, months and years ahead. We’re truly a caring company.”
-David Siegel
President and CEO of Westgate Resorts
My vision of Westgate has always been guided by the idea that we are a family
business which provides family vacation experiences that exceed all expectations. A
major component of this vision is the concept that the company and its employees are
committed to the communities where they live and work.
It also is based on the idea that our employees, owners, vendors and business partners
are all part of the Westgate family, and work together to provide a clear picture to the
communities in which we all operate, work and live. It is a picture of the values, ethics
and commitments which we represent every day… whether at work or in the towns
and cities our families call home. Our owners want to know what kind of people
they are vacationing with; our employees want to know what kind of people they
are working with; and our partners want to know about the people who use their
products and services.
The Westgate Resorts Foundation is one important element in this process because it
demonstrates every day that the company has special resources dedicated to helping
its employees through the unexpected tough times that can affect us all. It also reaches
out into the local communities with resources like volunteer hours and substantial
amounts of money to invest in the quality of life we all experience.
Whether it is a vacation certificate donated to an event; furniture contributed to
community centers; scholarships for the families of our workers; volunteer hours
invested in activities; or cash grants to support worthy programs and projects, the
Westgate Resorts Foundation is a strong and steady source of information about the
kind of company we are and the kind of people who work here.
I
n this Westgate Resorts Foundation Annual Report you are going to read a lot
of information about what was accomplished by this organization in 2004. I
hope you will share my pride in what was done in this, the third year of the
foundation’s existence.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported over 195 charities with grants
totaling close to $4 million. This does not include the thousands of hours our fellow
employees have volunteered in their communities, nor does it include the hundreds of
thousands of dollars donated via in-kind contributions like room nights and facilities
usage that have also been disbursed.
This Annual Report shows what we have accomplished in 2004. Please also know
that 2005 will also be a year of expanded activities and benefits for everyone involved.
I thank you for your help in getting here and look forward to reporting back to you
next year about what we have accomplished in 2005 .
David A. Siegel
From the President
“It’s important to our company to be a responsible and conscientious corporate partner in the
communities which are home to our resorts as well as our employees and their families.”
-David Siegel
President and CEO of Westgate Resorts
Westgate Resorts Foundation
Westgate Resorts Foundation
Total Revenue
S
ince its inception, the Westgate Resorts Foundation has raised and distributed
almost $4 million to charities that provide services for women, children, families
and seniors in Central Florida and 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 well known
that if you want to conduct significant business with Westgate Resorts, you must
share in our commitment to the community. In addition, David Siegel pays all of
the administrative and operating costs of the foundation so every dollar raised goes
directly to people in need.
2002
$ 598,475
2003
$ 970,014
2004
$ 1,371,455
Vendors
5%
Other
(Interest, etc.)
Events
3%
Employees
14%
11%
David A. Siegel Society
27%
Owners/Guest Folios
40%
2004 Sources of Funds
2004 Application of Funds
T
he Westgate Resorts Foundation has provided grants to over 195 charities in the
community. These wonderful organizations touch thousands of lives across the
country and around the world. The funds that the Westgate Resorts Foundation
distributes are targeted to groups that have submitted in-depth proposals about how
the money and resources will be used and how the results will be measured. Over 100
company employees from all levels of the corporate structure gave of their time and
talent to help determine which charities will receive support.
Grants and Sponsorships
Scholarships and Other
Endowment
Pledged Receivables
Cash in Bank
Total Revenue
$797,000
$23,455
$300,000
$136,000
$115,000
$1,371,455
Source of Funds
“Your support allows us to provide critical services to the children of our
communities, and to help them realize their full potential as productive,
responsible and caring citizens...”
-Gary Cain, President
Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida
2004
Charitable
Organizations
In addition to actual dollars, the Westgate Resorts Foundation supports local charities through in-kind contributions. Thousands of pieces of furniture and appliances are donated annually to
local charities for use in their programs. In addition, gift certificates valued at more than $125,000 for stays at Westgate Resorts locations are donated to charities for use in fundraising efforts
such as silent auctions and raffles. Company-wide food drives, clothing drives, book drives and other worthy efforts are other ways that Westgate employees can help those in need.
A Gift for Teaching
Foundation for Early Childhood Development
March of Dimes
American Cancer Society
Foundation for Osceola Education
Menello Museum
American Red Cross
Freedom Ride
Molly Ray Elementary
Angel Flight Southeast, Inc.
Friends of the Smokies
Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic
Appalachian Bear Center
Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council
Mustard Seed of Central Florida
Arnold Palmer Hospital Foundation
Give Kids The World
New Hope for Kids
B.A.S.E. Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation
Golden Rule Foundation
Noonan’s Syndrome Support Group
BETA Center
Grandma’s House
Orlando Regional Healthcare Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida
H.A.R.K. - Helping Art Reach Kids
Orlando Sentinel Family Fund
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami
Habitat for Humanity Orlando
Osceola County Council on Aging
Boggy Creek Gang Camp
Harbor House, Orange County
Center Against Domestic Violence
Restore Orlando
Boy Scouts of America, Central Florida Council
Boy Scouts of America,
Great Smoky Mountain Council
Head Start
Health Care Center for the Homeless
Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida
Health Central Foundation
Branson-Hollister Rotary Club
Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida
Bubel/Aiken Foundation
Historic Triangle Substance Abuse Coalition
Camillus House
Hi-Tech Tutoring Center
Central Florida Help Line
Hogar Crea
Children’s Advocacy Center for Osceola County
Hospice of the Comforter
Children’s Home Society
House of Hope
Christian Service Center for Central Florida
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
City of Ocoee Fire Department
Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options
Coach P Basketball Academy
Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando
Community Foundation of Central Florida
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Community Service Center of South Orange County
Liga Contra el Cancer
Covenant House Florida, Inc.
Lisa Merlin House
Edgewood Children’s Ranch
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Florida
Florida Hospital Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
Russell Home for Atypical Children
Safe Nest
Salvation Army
Seniors First
Shade Tree Shelter
Shepherd’s Hope
Shepherd’s Promise
Shop With a Cop
Simon Youth Foundation
Special Olympics Florida
Stepping Stone Medical Equipment Bank
Susan G. Komen Foundation
United Cerebral Palsy
United Way of Sevier County
Universal Orlando Foundation
Utah Families Foundation
Variety Club
2004 Grants and Sponsorships
Community
Caring
Thanks
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
-Kahlil Gibran
“...Thank you so much for your generous donation of $10,000 for A Gift For Teaching’s
new Big School House, a creative, timely, cost-effective and collaborative project that
will provide AGFT with a permanent home and will ensure we can continue to fulfill
our mission of helping students in need by providing their teachers with free school
supplies...”
“...New Hope for Kids’ children, their families, and Board members thank the Westgate
Resorts Foundation for your donation of $10,000. New Hope for Kids provides grief
support for children and families dealing with the death of a parent or loved one. Our
services are entirely donation based and we depend on the compassion and support
of organizations like yours...”
-Gary Landwirth, President
A Gift for Teaching
-David C. Joswick, Executive Director
New Hope for Kids
“...On behalf of all of the people who benefit from Angel Flight’s services, thank you for
your generous donation of $10,000. Your contribution makes a significant difference
in Angel Flight’s ability to continue to provide free air transportation for medical or
compassionate care...”
-Lily A. Kliot, Director of Fund Development
Angel Flight Southeast
“...We would like to thank the Westgate Resorts Foundation for the generous donation
of $5,000 to assist us with our EYES program. These funds will ensure that even more
needy children are able to get the eye exams and glasses they need to receive the gift
of better sight...”
-Lee Pates, Executive Director
Community Service Center of South Orange County, Inc.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
-Henry Drummond
“... I want to personally thank you for your recent gift of $5,000. Your gift makes it
possible for us to help you, your loved ones, and everyone touched by cancer—through
research, education, advocacy, and patient services...”
“...I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your $10,000 donation. Every
contribution to Seniors First is significant in helping us provide the nutritious meals,
transportation, and other types of assistance to our elderly friends and neighbors...”
-Donald A. Webster, Chief Executive Officer
American Cancer Society
-Randall Hunt, Chief Executive Officer
Seniors First
“...Thank you for your generous donation to the Ocoee Fire Department’s “Fully
Involved” program. Our department recently built a wheelchair ramp for a city
resident, who due to physical limitations, had a difficult time entering and exiting
her residence without assistance. The completion of this project was made possible
through your donation...”
-Richard Firstner, Fire Chief
City of Ocoee Fire Department
“... We were pleased to have received your donation of $5,000. Your donation is
helping many individuals and families in the Central Florida area who are on the
road to recovery after the devastation of this year’s hurricanes. Thank you for your
support...”
-Carol Kane, Founder and President
The Mustard Seed
“...Every day, the Lisa Merlin House opens its doors to families suffering from
alcoholism, substance abuse and other traumatic issues. Your continued support
means those doors can stay open, that lives can change, and that we can offer hope to
families that have lost their way. Thank you for awarding us with a $10,000 grant. We
are truly blessed to have special friends like you supporting us...”
-Lisa Merlin, President and Co-founder
Lisa Merlin House
“...Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic would like to thank you for your $10,000
donation. Our clinic provides the needed services of medical and dental counseling
for the medically uninsured. Your gift makes the difference, sometimes a life or death
difference, for members of our community...”
-Mary B. Vance, Executive Director
Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc.
Word of Thanks
The Westgate Resorts Foundation sponsored “Halfway There,” a
drug and alcohol prevention program which was presented at
local middle and high schools.
CareForce Volunteers serving lunch at Daily Bread.
Employees thank Mr. Siegel for his support
during the hurricanes.
“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
-Helen Keller
Volunteers serve breakfast to the students
at Oak Ridge High School on the days of
FCAT testing.
Employees in Ocoee collected underwear
and socks for “Undy Monday” for the
Christian Service Center.
Every Friday, volunteers for the Westgate CareForce serve ice
cream at the Give Kids The World Village.
On November 19, 2004, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort
delivered Food Drive items for Sevier County Food Ministries.
Approximately 450 lbs of food were donated.
Highlights
Future
Looking toward the
“You will find, as you look back on your life, that the moments that stand out
are the moments when you have done things for others.”
-Henry Drummond
S
ix years ago, two scholarships at Valencia Community College in Orlando were endowed to honor the memories of Joseph F. Cordovano and Chad Normington. Funds were raised by
Westgate and matched by the state of Florida. Every Spring and Fall semester, deserving employees and in some cases their dependents, are awarded scholarships to offset their tuition
costs while attending Valencia Community College. In 2004, 6 employees were awarded these scholarships totaling $1,422.82.
In 2003, the Westgate Resorts Foundation added its own scholarship program, which made scholarships available to employees in Central Florida and Gatlinburg. This year, the scholarship
program was expanded, and scholarships have now become available for any accredited university or college within the metropolitan areas of ALL Westgate properties! In 2004, the
foundation awarded $4,847.58 in scholarships.
Expanded Scholarship Program
2004
The David A. Siegel Society
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
Bronze
$2,500 - $4,999
Dante Alzamora
James Arent
Greg and Johannie Badgewell
Gloria Blalock
Jimmy Dillman
Rick Drew
Gary and Lyn Edwards
Ken Ferris
Lee Filteau
Gregory and Evelyn Fisher
Carlos Gonzalez
Richard Grecni
Ken Grimes
Bill Hall Jr.
Maria Isernia
Stacey Jackson
Dennis and Cindy Latiak
Mark Laurent
Pat Leiby
Rob Lynn
Tim Mackey
Arnie Mann
Willie May
Jeanne McIntee
Rosana Monteiro
Richard Moore
Mark and Pam Mrozinski
Bob Normington
John Palmer
Pedro Parra
Marci Rochkind
Michael Rodriguez
Harvey and Hazel Rubinson
Paul and Lydia Scusa
Lynn Smith
Richard Stoun
Matt Tracy
Neil Van Bart
Rui Vieira
Gloria Zemaitis
Gold
Gold
$10,000 - $24,999
Alpha Omega Network
American Exchange
Anco Cleaning
Jim Barfield
Barterfirst
Buck Buchanan Enterprises
Harold Cohen
Dave and Shari Crabtree
Tom and Jan Dugan
Jean Ellis
Ernst & Young
F.N. Clark
Furniture Design Studios
Bobby and Francia Fusik
Jim and Brenda Gissy
Tim and Kay Gissy
Gerald Greenspoon
Roger and Leigh Kennedy
Michael Knadle
Judy and Les Levy
Michael Marder
David Oas
Orangebee Private Money
Jimmy Roberts
Barry Siegel
Richard Siegel
Steve and Sherri Siegel
Superior Printers
Textron Financial Corporation
U.S. Foodservice
Mark and Karen Waltrip
Silver
Platinum
Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Mark and Corali Grecni
Patricia Gonzalez
IKON Office Solutions
KPMG LLP
Lisa Ortega
Marco Torres
David A. Siegel
ICI Paints
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Silver
$4,999 - $9,999
Platinum
$25,000+
The David A. Siegel Society
Community Volunteer
Services
Employees at all of our Central Florida properties pitched in to help by donating thousands
of articles of clothing and non perishable food items to benefit flood victims in Haiti and the
Dominican Republic. In addition, hundreds of blankets, bedspreads and linens that would
have gone to waste were donated by some of our resorts to help this wonderful cause.
All of the items were delivered to the
flood victims by members of MICP, a local
church, who had already taken one trip
down to this area. The group had been
pre-approved by Customs to take the
items directly into the countries in need
without governmental interference.
After being sorted by the Foundation staff
and a team of volunteers from the Ocoee
Building, the donated items were loaded
into 7 trucks and vans to be shipped off
to the flood victims.
V
olunteerism is important to many employees of Westgate Resorts. As further evidence of the company’s commitment to our resort communities, in early 2003 our company volunteer
program, The Westgate CareForce, was launched. This program mobilizes, coordinates, facilitates and directs the community volunteer activities of Westgate employees in areas
where they live and work.
To date, there are over 700 employees in the CareForce volunteer database. At a moment’s notice, the CareForce can supply a charity with the names of employees who have interest in
helping with a variety of worthy causes – including working with children, the elderly, special needs populations, animals, the environment, etc.
With the help of our employees, CareForce volunteers have served ice cream to terminally ill children at Give Kids the World Village every Friday for the past two years. We have raised
tens of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society by participating in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk and “Relay For Life.” Other volunteer projects include
the American Heart Association Walk, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Westgate Resorts Food Drive, Westgate Resorts Toy Drive, serving lunch to the homeless, cleaning up the
local environment, providing holiday parties at local children’s homes or working at one of the Westgate Resorts Foundation events. In 2004, these activities resulted in over 3000 hours
of volunteer time being performed for various charities by CareForce members.
In addition, the Westgate CareForce supports employees who volunteer on an individual basis by giving a $200 contribution to any non-profit organization to which an employee donates
at least 100 hours of volunteer time.
Westgate Resorts is proud to have dedicated employees who give of themselves throughout the year to such 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 charity, please email volunteer@wgresorts.com.
The Westgate CareForce
A few things the David’s Dollars Foundation assisted with in 2004:
Helped 15 employees with emergency travel expenses so that they would be able to attend their loved one’s funeral.
Assisted 6 employees with funeral expenses of their dependents.
Made 11 mortgage payments and 25 rent payments for employees with unforeseen emergencies.
Offered Critical Incident Counseling to all of our employees after the hurricanes affected their lives.
Gave out $17,560 in general support for employees affected by house fires, illness, emergency surgeries, etc.
Distributed $75,000 in grocery store gift certificates which assisted 685 employees after their food had spoiled
due to hurricane related power outages.
Donated 6200 free room nights at Westgate properties until utilities in employees’ homes were restored
after the hurricanes that affected Central Florida.
David’s Dollars
Foundation
T
he driving force 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 Dollar’s Foundation has provided over $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.
For instance, last year, Westgate had more than 1,500 employees affected by the three hurricanes that came through Central Florida. David Siegel provided his employees
who were displaced by the storms over 6,200 room nights at his resorts – a personal contribution valued at over $1,250,000. In addition, he provided household furnishings,
clothing, food and financial assistance, including $75,000 worth of grocery store gift certificates. Westgate Resorts also provided professional counseling services and
insurance claim filing assistance to company employees throughout the nine resorts that operate in the Central Florida area.
“...I would like to thank the foundation for giving me the chance to attend my
grandmother’s funeral. With little notice, the foundation helped me in my time of need
by purchasing my airline ticket to fly home. I was able to say my good-byes face to face
with someone who meant the world to me. The Westgate Resorts Foundation is truly a
special organization that I had been taking for granted until now. Now I see just what
the foundation can do in a time of need. Thank you again for this wonderful gift...”
“...I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo 2 major surgeries, as well as
chemotherapy. As a result, I was unable to work for about 3 months. Without a salary,
my bills started piling up and I was unable to cope financially. The foundation paid
for 3 months of some of my bills to help me get back on my feet. I had always heard
about the foundation, but never expected that one day I would be a beneficiary of this
tremendous program. Thank you for assisting me, it made a big difference in my life...”
-Jared Prows, Food & Beverage
Ramada
-Zandra Reynolds, Risk Management
Sandlake
“...My family and I would like to thank the Westgate Resorts Foundation for all they did
for us in our time of need. During Hurricane Jeanne, our house caught fire and we lost
just about everything. The foundation helped us by providing us with the opportunity
to purchase the basic necessities such as clothes, towels, dishes, silverware, etc., and
supplied us with the furniture we needed. This allowed us to get the house back up and
running. We are just about at 100% and we would not have made it this far without
your help...”
“...I would like to extend my gratitude for your help during hurricane season. My house
was completely destroyed, and I had a lot of problems with my insurance company.
You helped me resolve my insurance issues, and my family and I stayed free of charge
at the Lakes until our house was rebuilt. Without your kindness and compassion, I
cannot imagine the catastrophes I would have faced...”
-Cheri Cashen, IT
Ocoee
-Beatrice Stanley, Cash Management
Windhover
David’s Dollars Foundation
F
inally, as further evidence of the Westgate Resorts Foundation’s commitment to
education, the Westgate Resorts Foundation has become a “Partner-In-Education”
with Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida. Westgate executives and employees
work hand in hand with the school administrators, faculty, staff and students on a
daily basis to help improve the quality of education in this community. Westgate
employees provide volunteers for school activities, student mentoring and support of
special events. For instance, the Westgate Foundation has implemented a program
to promote parental involvement by helping convert the school’s Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) into a new organization named Parents Taking Responsibility
(PTR). The PTR is focused on improving communication and interaction between
parents, teachers, administrators and students. Because of Westgate’s dedication
to this initiative, Westgate Resorts was recently honored by Orange County Public
Schools as an Outstanding Community Partner.
Oak Ridge High School
Board
of
Directors
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
Board of Directors
Westgate Resorts Foundation
Staff
Allan Chernoff...Executive Director
Ellen Tatich...Manager
Kevin Watson...Manager
Key Team Members:
Niquelle Sahoury
Elizabeth Sein
Maria Elaina Santiago
Jean MacNeal
Special Thanks to:
Food and Beverage Department
Creative Design Department
Corporate and Tax Accounting Departments
Cash Management and Payroll Departments
Mystery Fun House Staff
Team Captains
Grant Review Committee
Scholarship Committee
All-Star Revue Committee
WGF-32013
Foundation Staff
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE
(800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE WESTGATE RESORTS
FOUNDATION IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. REGISTRATION # CH 18817
Orlando, FL • Miami Beach, FL • River Ranch, FL • Daytona Beach, FL
Park City, UT • Gatlinburg, TN • Las Vegas, NV • Branson, MO • Williamsburg, VA
Tunica, MS • Mesa, AZ • Myrtle Beach, SC
WGF-32013