MCLEAN, Va. - The Hilton Effect Foundation announced today on Giving Tuesday it will donate $1 for every retweet within 24 hours of posting to World Central Kitchen to support those facing food insecurity, up to $100,000 USD. Over the last year, the Foundation has donated more than $1 million to support communities around the world grappling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including nearly $250,000 in donations connected to food insecurity.
“With world hunger on the rise due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilton Effect Foundation wanted to provide a simple opportunity for our guests, Team Members and greater community members to lend a hand and support those in need this holiday season,” said Kate Mikesell, president, Hilton Effect Foundation. “Giving Tuesday is traditionally a day to show kindness and support communities in need. We recognized that might be more difficult for individuals to do in 2020 than in previous years, so we wanted to provide that ability on their behalf.”
Hilton and the Hilton Effect Foundation have partnered with World Central Kitchen several times already this year. At the beginning of the pandemic, Hilton and American Express collaborated with World Central Kitchen to support front line healthcare workers staying at its hotels through its “Million Rooms Program” with daily meals free of charge. Hilton has also supported World Central Kitchen in several of their community disaster response efforts, including the Beirut Port Explosion and the multiple hurricanes that hit the southeastern United States.
Last month, The Hilton Effect Foundation awarded its 2020 Hilton Effect Grants to 23 grantees, community-based organizations playing a direct role in COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts. The Foundation aimed to address some of the most urgent humanitarian needs arising from the pandemic: food security, sanitation/hygiene, economic security and clean air and water.
Consistent with Hilton’s commitment to respecting human rights, driving racial equality and promoting inclusive growth for all, the Foundation prioritized organizations addressing these needs, while also directly supporting minority populations and other vulnerable communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
To learn more about the Hilton Effect Foundation and its philanthropic efforts please visit: https://hiltoneffect.org/
It’s #GivingTuesday and YOU can make a difference! For every #retweet within the next 24 hours, the Hilton Effect Foundation donates $1 to @WCKitchen, up to $100K. Help provide fresh, chef-prepared meals to communities in need. More info at: https://t.co/4qgAgznedW #HiltonEffect pic.twitter.com/Wicpz4spMX
— Hilton Newsroom (@HiltonNewsroom) December 1, 2020
About Hilton Effect Foundation
The Hilton Effect Foundation is Hilton’s primary international philanthropic arm. The Foundation is a nonprofit established in the U.S. and is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation awards grants, in alignment with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals, that have a positive impact on travel destinations around the world. Foundation grants are awarded throughout the year in accordance with tax and legal requirements. Visit HiltonEffect.org for more information.
About World Central Kitchen
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. WCK has created a new model for disaster response through its work helping devastated communities recover and establish resilient food systems. WCK has served more than 45 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world in countries including The Bahamas, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Venezuela, and the United States. WCK’s Resilience Programs in the Caribbean and Central America have trained hundreds of chefs and school cooks, advanced clean cooking practices, and awarded grants to farms, fisheries and small food businesses while also providing training and networking opportunities. Learn more at wck.org.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.