On February 11, 2020, Dan Leroy and Kevin Montgomery accepted a donation from the incredible team at The Omni Grove Park Inn including Susan Rotante, Director of Public Relations and Community Outreach and Gary Froeba, Managing Director. The check for $15,000 represents the 7th time United Way has benefited from the Holiday Parking Program.
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Program in 2013, The Omni Grove Park Inn has contributed more than $535,000 to not-for-profit partners across Western North Carolina by donating a portion of the proceeds raised during The National Gingerbread House Competition.
“We know that every company has a host of demands, and choices to make when it comes to how they use their revenue,” said Kevin Montgomery, Director of Resource Development for United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. “The decision of The Omni Grove Park Inn to uplift the work of local nonprofits is one that should be applauded.”
Montgomery continues, “I know that every dollar is critical in helping United Way address the causes and consequences of poverty in our community and these donations support, among other things, NC 2-1-1-- our 24/7 information and referral line which connects people in crisis to the resources they need. These funds also help us put cutting edge tools, like the Early Warning and Response System in the hands of local educators helping them better spot and serve students who are falling behind.”
How else are The Omni Grove Park Inn donations used?
Several other nonprofits shared their stories with us:
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a caring and generous community partner in The Omni Grove Park Inn. Through this donation, we are able to provide warm meals and friendly visits to over 450 vulnerable homebound seniors each weekday. For many, this may be the only meal and the only person they see all day. This is a gift that provides nourishment, companionship and independence,” said Dianne Trammel, Executive Director at Meals on Wheels of Asheville & Buncombe County.
“Not only have Omni Grove Park Inn parking funds supported In Real Life After-School for over 200 Asheville middle school youth each year, but it has also created an opportunity for high school students to earn a stipend as mentors and leaders in the In Real Life program. Thank you for creating a D.R.E.A.M. (Dedicated, Responsible, Enthusiastic, Academic, Mentors) team of young leaders responsible for supporting the next generation” said Nieva Arana, IRL Program Coordinator & Student Advocate.
Audra Morrow, Director of Community Supports, Children First/Communities in Schools shared this, “The money that we receive from The Grove Park Gingerbread House exhibit will provide one-on-one supports to students and families, it will transform the way that we are able to advocate on behalf of each child in our community and it will allow more families the opportunity to access an extension of support within their school. We are grateful to be a recipient this year and love the holiday cheer that The Omni Grove Park Inn provides to our community!”
