The Handlery Foundation contributed a leadership gift of $10,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation's (AH&LEF) 2014 Annual Giving Campaign. A longtime supporter of AH&LEF, the Handlery Foundation has supported AH&LEF through annual contributions to an endowed scholarship fund and contributions to its three previous capital giving campaigns.

Paul Handlery, AH&LEF's Honorary Chairman for Life, established the Handlery Scholarship in 1982. Since that time, the fund has grown through contributions and investment earnings to nearly one million dollars, and is currently valued at more than $750,000. Since 1989, 287 students have received funds totaling $410,000.

"My father, Paul, served as one of the early trustees of AH&LEF and was instrumental in shaping its future," said Jon Handlery, President of Handlery Hotels. "He spearheaded the Foundation's first major fundraising initiative to provide long-term support for industry scholarship and educational programs. It's my family's goal to follow in our father's footsteps and continue his vision of giving back to the industry."

"The Handlery Foundation has been a tremendous supporter of AH&LEF for over three decades," said Joori Jeon, CPA, CAE, AH&LEF president/ and AH&LA CFO. "Their commitment to the Foundation's mission is evident in their support of students through the Handlery Scholarship. This generous Leadership gift, will go far in benefiting AH&LEF's other core programs such as research and workforce development."

The Annual Giving Campaign is the Foundation's key yearly fundraiser that supports its core missions, including providing scholarships to hospitality management students, funding grants for pertinent industry research such as diversity and technology advancement, and promoting hospitality as a career of choice.

AH&LEF is the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and is funded solely by charitable donations from progressive hospitality leaders and companies within the industry. In 2013, AH&LEF disbursed more than $1 million to prepare promising college students for a career in hospitality, to attract and retain talented industry professionals, and to fund valuable research for the industry. Since the Foundation’s inception, more than $19 million has been distributed through its scholarship, education, outreach, and research programs.

All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about donating, contact Michelle Poinelli, senior vice president of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3181 or mpoinelli@ahlef.org or visit www.ahlef.org.