Breaking Travel News

Spirit of Giving Flourishes at Hilton Miami Airport

The Hilton Miami Airport Hotel partnered
with Neighbors 4 Neighbors to provide children, teens and families of the
Village South Inc. and Miami Bridge with a very memorable Christmas season
this year. Over 200 people, including children ranging from newborns to
teens, experienced a spectacular Christmas celebration amongst lush
surroundings. They gathered in the hotel’s lavishly renovated
International Ballroom, where they enjoyed a sumptuous meal specially
prepared for them by our award-winning Executive Chef, Anthony Travis. This magnificent celebration was made possible through the efforts and
contributions of several members of the community, such as Hilton partners
Sysco, Coca-Cola, and Miami Purveyors, who made generous donations of food
items and beverages for the elaborate banquet. Ms. Jenna Edwards, Miss
Florida 2004, gave a special performance, inviting the children to sing
along as she sang popular Christmas carols. Next, there was an exciting
surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who delivered gifts provided by
the Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant and the hotel’s team members. Hilton
Miami Airport team members were thrilled to have a part in giving to each
of these uniquely deserving children. “It is an unbelievably rewarding
experience to be part of this wonderful moment where you can see the
children’s eyes widen and their faces light up with joy. I am so glad that
in this small way we were able to make their holiday brighter. Seeing the
surprise, and delight, felt by these kids made all of our own holidays so
much more special and meaningful. For us, this occasion really confirms
that it truly is better to give than to receive!” said Farooq Rehmatwala,
Area Vice President, Southeast and General Manager of the Hilton Miami
Airport.

The Village South is an outreach program established in 1973 as a non-
profit agency that focuses on the rehabilitation and counseling of
individuals suffering from chemical dependency, mental illness, and
adolescents who are deemed to be at risk for substance abuse, as well as
other social problems. The Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc.
has been a saving grace for children and families of Miami-Dade County for
the past 25 years. A non- profit youth serving agency committed to
preserving and strengthening family integrity and redirecting young lives,
the organization offers a wide array of intervention programs to assist
families with children between the ages of 10-17 who are runaway,
abandoned, abused, neglected, truant, or otherwise at- risk. The Miami
Bridge helps to “build bridges” for children and families, opening lines
of communication in times of crisis and stress.

The Hilton Miami Airport Hotel has a long-term commitment to South
Florida, having opened its doors to families and children in need
throughout the years. Farooq Rehmatwala, Area Vice President, Southeast,
and General Manager of the Hilton Miami Airport, has devoted his time and
energy to supporting countless organizations, including Big Brothers and
Big Sisters of America, United Way, Make a Wish Foundation, March of
Dimes, Children’s Home Society, Ronald McDonald House, Neighbors 4
Neighbors, The Village South, and Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services,
Inc. Located three miles south of Miami International Airport, The Hilton
Miami Airport is situated on a private tropical peninsula in the heart of
Blue Lagoon, a 100-acre freshwater lake. With 500 deluxe guest rooms,
including 82 spacious junior suites, the hotel offers the most
professional environment and amenities for the seasoned business traveler,
with a relaxing leisure atmosphere for after business hours.

Jenna Edwards, age 23, was crowned Miss Florida in June 2004, and
represented the Sunshine State at the Miss America Pageant in September,
where she was a preliminary swimsuit winner. She graduated from the
University of Miami in 2003, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in
Communication Studies and English Literature. She was recognized as an
outstanding student during University of Miami’s Fall Commencement. She
aspires to receive her Master’s in Business Administration, with a
concentration in Nonprofit Management. Jenna is also the founder and
President of a 501-C-3 Corporation, Queen for a Day. QFAD helps seriously
and terminally ill pediatric patients fight the psychological war of their
illness. She appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show on two different
occasions, and was the recipient of a $10,000 grant as one of Oprah’s
Angels. People Magazine and Ford Motor Company have also recognized Jenna
and QFAD for the outstanding work in helping to make these young patients
become champions of their illness.
——-