Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Donates Over $20,000 to Aid Fairmont Colleagues in Acapulco Devastated by Flooding

In response to the devastating floods and mudslides in Acapulco, Mexico that killed at least 55 people and caused thousands to be stranded and homeless, including 210 colleagues from Fairmont properties, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park initiated a major fundraising effort among colleagues and business partners. Led by Mark Huntley, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Fairmont Chicago employees, from housekeepers to directors, raised $4,000 last week in donations, which was matched by the hotel owners. Fairmont Corporate also contributed $15,000. The donations have been wired to the Fairmont Acapulco hotels to help staff from the Fairmont Acapulco Princess, the Fairmont Pierre Marques and Fairmont Heritage Place - Acapulco Diamante, who have lost everything they own including their homes, personal belongings and even some friends and family.

"We feel a tremendous amount of compassion and responsibility to assist our colleagues in Acapulco during their time of need. We are asking our business partners to make a donation to help our Fairmont family. We appreciate everyone's consideration and willingness to help," said Huntley.

The Fairmont Chicago, Fairmont Corporate and business partners have donated everything from cash to Target gift cards to 20 airline vouchers to a year's supply of Panera Bread bagels. Donation efforts will continue this week and next, in an effort to raise an additional $25,000. A variety of vacation packages including five nights at the Fairmont Pierre Marques, five nights at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess and a weekend with Washington, D.C. will be auctioned off in a silent and live auction this Friday. Fairmont Chicago is also hosting a hotel-wide Zumba class for hotel guests and staff on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m. with a suggested donation of $5 a person. An estimated 75 people will participate. Aria restaurant and bar, Fairmont's restaurant featuring American regional cuisine with Asian influences, will also donate $6 from each margarita sold, now through end of October, to the Acapulco colleagues.