Wyndham Worldwide Announces Launch of Global Philanthropic Program: Wishes by Wyndham

Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, (NYSE: WYN) announced the launch of its new philanthropic program, Wishes by Wyndham.

“Wyndham Worldwide hosts over 240 million guests every year in our hotels, vacation rental properties and timeshare resorts,” said Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wyndham Worldwide. “One of our core values is to support our communities. Our associates, owners and franchisees are committed to enhancing the quality of life where we live and work.”

Wyndham Worldwide has adopted four signature charities that reflect the Company’s interests in women and children: Hole in the Wall Camps, Christel House International, Starlight Children’s Foundation and BEYOND THE MOON.

Hole in the Wall Camps provide a carefree, nurturing, physically safe and medically sound setting for children with serious illnesses to experience the magic of the camp experience. Founded by Paul Newman over 30 years ago, the organization now has seven national camp locations and seven international camps. The Company has been a longtime supporter of the organization and maintains a strong relationship with the Camp Boggy Creek in Florida and the Victory Junction camp in North Carolina.

Christel House International, created by RCI founder Christel DeHaan, helps children around the world break the cycle of poverty and become self–sufficient, contributing members of their societies. With learning centers in India, Mexico, South Africa, Serbia, Venezuela and the United States, the Christel House offers programs on education, health, work study and community outreach. RCI has been the event–wide sponsor of The RCI Christel House Open – International Charity Golf Tournament since the inception of the tournament in 2007.

Starlight Children’s Foundation is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Founded approximately 25 years ago, the organization is headquartered in Los Angeles. Starlight is partnering with Wyndham Worldwide’s Women on Their Way program in a free viral Mother’s Day e–card that will launch on April 20. Every time a card is sent with the Starlight logo, $1 will be donated to the Starlight Foundation up to a total contribution of $25,000.

BEYOND THE MOON offers children suffering from a life–threatening disease and their families the opportunity to spend valuable quality time together and to enjoy a memorable, cost–free and carefree vacation in a child–friendly environment far away from hospitals and daily treatments. Wyndham Hotel Group’s international offices and business partners across Europe are supporting BEYOND THE MOON and have received a “Silver Award” for their dedication to the organization.

In addition to supporting the four signature charities, Wyndham Worldwide will continue to donate unused room nights, and professional and volunteer time to help raise awareness and contributions for local charities that meet the Wishes by Wyndham criteria. Additionally, WyndhamRewardsSM members can contribute their points in support of any of the four signature charities. In the U.S., click here and internationally, click here for more information about making a donation.

“Wyndham Worldwide and our associates have long demonstrated community involvement through associate–organized fundraisers, corporate donations and in–kind donations of products and services to charitable organizations,” continued Holmes. “By adopting a more formalized structure around our charitable initiatives, we hope to make a larger impact with a singular focus.”