NATIONAL REPORT—While scientists research life-saving treatments and prevention for breast cancer, there is still more that can be done. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hotels are raising awareness and money in creative and caring ways. Here’s a look:
Paddle for a Cure
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii kicked off its sixth annual fundraising initiative, Hyatt Maui’s Paddle for a Cure, in support of Susan G. Komen Hawaii, during Labor Day weekend.
The weekend included various initiatives to raise funds and awareness as part of the mission to end breast cancer. Guests and visitors participated in Drive for a Cure with Ka’anapali Golf Courses. Pool and ocean activities, including a memorial Paddle Out to honor those impacted by breast cancer, also took place. Drums of the Pacific Luau for a Cure were also part of the weekend with special pink-themed luaus.
The resort is also offering experiences and touchpoints until October 31, including dining, spa treatments and unique activities, all giving a portion of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen Hawaii. Initiatives include the following: pink-themed Cabanas for a Cure created by Honolulu artist and designer, Jana Lam; Umalu, the resort’s poolside eatery, bar and lounge, offers Pineapple Cocktail for a Cure and other specialty cocktails in a signature cup; Japengo, the property’s Asian cuisine restaurant, offered a prix fixe menu, Dinner for a Cure; the resort’s spa, Kamaha’o Marilyn Monroe Spa, is offering spa treatments for a cure; and the resort is hosting a silent auction with items such as a standup paddle board and nights at other Hyatts to generate proceeds.
Caring Hands
At the Palm Beach Marriott Singer, the entire staff at SiSpa are professionally trained to perform Comfort Care Classics services specifically designed for guests being treated for or recovering from cancer. These treatments include the Comfort Care Classic Manicure; Comfort Care Classic Pedicure; Comfort Care Classic Massage or Facial; Comfort Care Classic Body Scrub; and even a rejuvenating beachfront yoga session.
Throughout October (Sundays-Thursdays), guests of Scottsdale’s Sanctuary On Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa can honor Breast Cancer Awareness month at Sanctuary Spa with a 60-minute Custom Massage or Sanctuary Jewel Facial. Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. Sanctuary Spa, newly renovated and celebrated as a wellness destination, is also home to highly skilled Sensei therapists trained in oncology massage and restorative consultation.
The October 12 event plays host to a Pink Poker Tournament, a lavish after-party at The Palms Courtyard, a silent auction and raffle giveaways. The Palms is transformed into a shopping paradise, allowing guests and locals alike to snag bargains on clothing, shoes, accessories and many designer items—all for a good cause. After the shopping, the fun continues with an after-party in the pink-decorated courtyard in front of the famed Parallel 23 restaurant at The Palms. The after-party includes live music and guest bartenders serving up themed cocktails and raffle giveaways. Additionally, Turks Head Brewery has created a special “Pink Beer” in honor of our event; the beer, which is a light ale enhanced by hibiscus flowers, will be on tap at the after-party in the Courtyard.
See special event images here.
Sleep in Pink
Hard Rock hotels & casinos are going pink across the globe as the brand continues its worldwide support of Pinktober, with one-of-a-kind branded events and activations across the brand’s international hotel and casino portfolio. From community-driven local events to immersive on-property activations, here’s a glimpse at Hard Rock International’s Pinktober programming:
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast has a custom pink Fender Player Series Stratocaster when you stay in the pink suite with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Support Group (Johor Bahru). Both Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood and Tampa will be sponsoring their local American Cancer Society – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi has a team in its local walk.
Participating Hard Rock Cafe locations will feature a limited-time cocktail called “Drink Pink Punch” to generate awareness for breast cancer. The cocktail includes Beefeater Pink Gin, the tropical flavors of guava, banana, pineapple and strawberries, finished with a house-made guava foam and rainbow candies.
Fundraising That’s Fun
The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is raising money during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating $10 per room night booked during the month of October to the Healthcare Network of SW Florida. In addition, LaPlaya’s Baleen restaurant and Tiki Bar will offer a variety of pink cocktails; $1 from each pink cocktail sold will go to the Healthcare Network of SW Florida. Complimentary pink hand towels will be given to guests who reserve private poolside cabanas.
McKibbon Hospitality is raising awareness at properties in its portfolio. At the Residence Inn and Courtyard Sarasota, there’s a team walking in the Making Strides Against Cancer Walk in Sarasota, FL, on Oct. 19th.
The Residence Inn and Courtyard Tampa Downtown will place a dozen donation buckets in and around the hotel, including the breakfast area, desks, bar and Bistro. Guests can purchase silicone bracelets for $1, pink donuts for $1 daily, and Berry Berry refreshers in the Bistro for $1 charge. In addition, the hotel team will don pink shirts and pins all month.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is partnering with Susan G. Komen San Diego in an effort to raise money for women who are financially unable to go for mammograms, pay their medical bills and support future research. An additional charge of $2 will be added to the hotel’s #SelfCareSunday event and to all checks at The Spa at Estancia. In addition, F&B venue Mustangs & Burros will also be adding the charge to all lunch and dinner checks throughout the month. The restaurant will also donate 10% of all proceeds to Susan G. Komen on Oct. 17th in participation with “Dine Out For the Cause.” There will be themed cocktails, all named to reflect the fight against breast cancer such as the “She Is Fierce,” “Positively Pink” and “She Who Shines.”