Welcome

British Columbia Hospitality Foundation provides support for individuals within the hospitality community, coping with extraordinary costs arising from a serious health crisis. The Foundation also awards scholarships and bursaries to students enrolled in Hospitality programmes.

Vision Statement

Working together to help our own

Mission

We help hospitality people in times of critical medical need, and provide educational support to the industry’s next generation

BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF)

The foundation was formed in 2006 to help wine agent Michael J. Willingham pay for a costly surgery and subsequent rehabilitation following a stroke.
Michael’s situation highlighted the need to establish a trust fund that could be used as a last-resort safety net for other industry members in need - who may or may not have benefits, be covered by employment insurance, or require assistance beyond traditional medical benefits
Foundation benefits will cover people in the industry - food suppliers, hoteliers, media, publicists, retailers, vintners and wine sales representatives.
The fund will be managed by the board of trustees for the foundation. On the founding board of trustees are Richard Carras, Ken Cretney, Jeannie Crane, Geoffrey Howes, Tim Pawsey, Bing Smith, and Harry McWatters.

The Foundation’s goal is to build on the momentum of the fundraising done for Michael. The golf and gala of 2007 raised $80,000. Michael was presented with a cheque for $50,000 for his operation at Founders Dinner I. January 28, 2008, Founders Dinner I raised $110,000.00. Further 2008 events, including golf and gala, a $2500 donation from Joie Wineries, a $2500 donation from the Naramata Bench Association, and the Wines of Chile Fall Festival proceeds have continued the momentum, the BCHF endowment fund has $200,000.00 at present.

Tell the BC and Yukon Hospitality Industry – the doors are open – we are here to help those who apply and meet the criteria outlined below.

Mission Outline

To raise enough money to become self sustaining and to build an ongoing trust fund.
To build strategic alliances with stakeholders and industry associations to raise awareness, raise funds, and establish the BCHF as the charity of choice.
To facilitate and organize fundraising activities and events.
To distribute funds to needy individuals to supplement their existing financial support in times of emergency and critical need (specific support, not ongoing indefinite support).
To raise the profile of the organization, it’s role, and it’s need.
To operate in a transparent manner with an established and recognized set of values.

What will the Foundation do?

The fund will act as a safety net for the food, beverage and hospitality industry members in British Columbia including brewers, food suppliers, hoteliers (foodservice departments), media (in the related trade), publicists (in the related trade), retailers, vintners and wine sales representatives.

What will the foundation do next?

The BC Hospitality Foundation Committee has created long term goals starting with a three year strategic plan which will incorporate fund raising events, awareness campaigns and province wide involvement in the hospitality industry, in support of the foundation. The goal of BCHF is to encompass all members of the hospitality industry. To start we will create a grass roots marketing campaign, inviting our industry to support, suggest, inform and become involved. Our younger members are our future; our older members serve as our guiding examples, our mentors and our voices of wisdom. The Foundation is the safety net for those who contribute so much to the industry, both young and those with years of wisdom and experience. We thank you in advance for your support and contributions.

Events

BCHF Golf Tournament 2010 - details to be announced
Wines of Chile Tasting to benefit BCHF – Chair Richard Carras
BCHF Fishing Derby – a fall fishing extravaganza in the Queen Charlottes – with winemaker’s dinner, and gourmet events each evening, Chair Harry McWatters
BCHF Scholarship Fund – a portion of funds raised will be designated as scholarship funds, Chair Bing Smith
BCHF Charitable Gift Giving – create an event, donate to the endowment fund, consider planned giving, Chair Bing Smith
Founders Dinner III – tba, 2010, Chair Tim Pawsey

How you can help

By helping grow the fund by supporting events.
By making BCHF the beneficiary of your event.
By donating directly.

Fund guidelines - Potential recipients (Board of Trustees make final determination):

This must be ‘Last Resort’ funding – applicant must prove that no other funding (insurance or otherwise) is available
Applicants principal residence must be in BC or the Yukon, and they must be (or have been) active members of the food, beverage & hospitality, or directly related industries, e.g. (but not restricted to):
- Foodservice production, distribution, sales, marketing
- Beverage alcohol production, distribution, sales and marketing
- On or off premise retailing of food and beverage alcohol products
- Media, PR, and consultants related to any of the above
- Recipient must be willing to have his support publicized (respectfully) to help promote the further activities of the organization.

Types of needs to be funded:

Applicants must have a clearly demonstrated need for funding
Needs must be specific, tangible, and finite
Needs must be of a critical medical nature (injury, disability and/or rehabilitation)

Application process:

Board of Directors has developed a basic application form to be available for publication and distribution. Applicant must:

Describe the need, and the benefit(s) that will be obtained.
Outline the detailed costs.
Prove that no other funding will cover the costs.
Demonstrate commitment to industry.
Confirm residential status.

Financial Limit:

Maximum $50,000 for any individual application (at this time).
Board of Trustees will determine total amount of funding per eligible recipient
BC Hospitality will match third party fundraisers, up to $5000, for approved applications