LOS ANGELES, California—AHLA Basis raised greater than $1,000,000 at its annual Night time of a Thousand Stars fundraising gala, bringing collectively over 400 trade leaders on the Beverly Hilton. Proceeds of the gala will assist workforce improvement initiatives for resort trade workers.
The occasion took on significance this 12 months because the trade demonstrated its dedication to the restoration and resilience of Los Angeles within the wake of current wildfires with donations to the Crimson Cross and LA Fireplace Division Basis. The American Resort & Lodging Affiliation (AHLA) and the AHLA Basis pledged $10,000 to assist catastrophe aid efforts and can match as much as $25,000 donated by AHLA members.
Annually, Night time of a Thousand Stars acknowledges achievements throughout the trade with 5 awards to acknowledge hospitality professionals beneath 30 years previous; hospitality scholar excellence; girls creating paths for different girls within the trade to succeed; and the lodging worker of the 12 months.
“Night time of a Thousand Stars is a shining tribute to the distinctive expertise that drives hospitality ahead whereas fueling a stronger future for our trade,” mentioned Anna Blue, president, AHLA Basis. “By way of the Basis’s transformative workforce improvement packages, we aren’t simply opening doorways however creating pathways for people to construct significant, life-changing careers on this extraordinary trade.”
“One of many issues I’ve at all times beloved about this trade is the way in which it loves its individuals. Night time of a Thousand Stars is a chance for our trade to have fun the unbelievable individuals who make hospitality all it’s,” mentioned Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO, American Resort and Lodging Affiliation. “Their tales are so highly effective. They’re the guts of our trade and the explanation the work the AHLA Basis does is so essential to advancing the careers of so many.”
AHLA’s 2025 Stars of the Business winners:
- North Star: Lodging Worker of the Yr Award: Melvin De La Cruz, assistant to director of HR, The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton
- AHLA Basis ForWard: Paving the Method Award: Whitney Bergmann, basic supervisor, Greatest Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
- Stevan Porter Rising Hospitality Chief of the Yr Award: Nicole Harker, entrance workplace supervisor, Amara Resort & Spa
- AHLA Basis Scholar of the Yr Award: Devin Grady, scholar, Anne Arundel Neighborhood Faculty and Accountant, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Heart
The occasion was made attainable by way of the assist of presenting sponsors Encore, Visitor Provide, Hilton, Hilton Provide Administration, and contributions from hospitality leaders and professionals throughout the trade. Giving on the gala was initiated by a $100,000 donation from Jon Bortz, president and CEO, Pebblebrook Resort Belief, and his spouse Ellen Bortz.
