I’m not going to lie. The fact that it is September is kind of freaking me out. Simple Giving will be available to the public next month. Next. Month. It’s been a long time coming.
I’ve been revealing more about the book in past Philanthropy Fridays. Since this series was a huge inspiration for the book, it seems appropriate to share more about what you’ll find within the pages here.
I’ve already shared the first four giving models (out of six): Everyday Acts of Kindness, A New Approach to Traditional Philanthropy, Shopping With a Conscience and Taking Action on Your Passion and a bit on the psychology of giving.
Today I will share the fifth giving model: Giving as a Business Model. In each chapter, I use stories to illustrate the giving models, much like the stories you read here on Friday. While the majority of the stories in the book have never been published, there are a few that originally appeared here on anotherjennifer.com. The Century House is one of those stories.
The following post was originally published on January 6, 2012. The story in the book is a bit more updated. They have now provided over 500,000 meals through their Enjoy One Share One program. Pretty amazing.
Guests get more than just good accommodations at The Century House, a 63 year old family-owned hotel, restaurant and conference center in Latham, New York.
That’s because when guests order an entrée in the dining room, banquet, meeting or wedding, or spend a night in any one of the hotel rooms, The Century House provides one meal in each guest’s honor through the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
Seriously. One meal in each guest’s honor is provided to someone who is hungry.
The unique program, launched in 2009, is called Enjoy One Share One. Colin Demers, the Managing Partner at The Century House, came up with the idea as a sustained giving business model for the company that would also bring staff and patrons together for a good cause at no cost to them.
As Demers say, the Enjoy One Share One program has “changed the way The Century House does business.” Guests feel good about staying at a hotel that gives back to the local community and even share their appreciation by signing a “Book of Giving” at the end of their meal. Staff go out each month and cook and serve at various soup kitchens. It’s a culture of giving.
To date, The Century House has provided more than 200,000 meals through the Enjoy One Share One program. In fact, they are closing in on 250,000 meals since launching in June of 2009. Talking with Demers, I can tell how excited and proud they are of this accomplishment, as they should be. A free champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception is in the works to celebrate.
I know where I’m staying and/or eating when I’m in the Latham, NY area.
Simple Giving is available for pre-sale on Amazon, B&N, Books-A-Million, Indiebound and more.
Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
