Grove Park Inn and Sammons Enterprises donates scholarship funds to A-B Tech
October 20, 2009
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and its owner, Sammons Enterprises, recently donated $20,000 to a scholarship fund for Hospitality Education students at A-B Tech, bringing its total contribution to $60,000 since establishing the fund two years ago.
J. Craig Madison, president and CEO of The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, presents a $20,000 check for scholarships to Sheila Tillman, associate dean of Hospitality Education at A-B Tech. Joining them in the presentation are (l-r) Anita Metcalf, A-B Tech's Vice President of College Relations and Executive Director of the A-B Tech Foundation; A-B Tech Interim President Richard Mauney; and Grove Park's Executive Director of Operations, Ron Morin.
The scholarships were created in 2007 in honor of Elaine Sammons, who died earlier this year. Mrs. Sammons had an extensive background in the hotel and hospitality industry. Her husband, Charles, was a self-made billionaire who gave generously from the profits of Sammons Enterprises Inc., a conglomerate of insurance, cable television, travel, industrial supply and bottled-water companies.
Mrs. Sammons became chairwoman of the company after her husband's death in 1988. As a company executive, she had a special interest in the restoration and expansion of the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.
"The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is proud to make this donation in honor of Mrs. Sammons," said J. Craig Madison, President and Chief Executive Officer of the resort. "Grove Park has a long history with A-B Tech and many of our employees have gotten a wonderful education there. We are pleased to continue this important relationship."
The scholarship endowment was established through a contribution from Sammons Enterprises' charitable partnering program, which financially supports its companies' local involvement with worthy causes. GPI management asked Sammons to consider establishing the scholarships because several of its Asheville executives are associated with A-B Tech, including Madison, who serves on the A-B Tech Foundation Board of Directors.
"We appreciate the generosity of Grove Park Inn and Sammons Enterprises and their commitment to our college," A-B Tech Interim President Richard Mauney said. "Grove Park has been a valuable partner in helping us create world-class hospitality education programs. These scholarships not only will strengthen our ability to provide opportunities for students but will help us meet the workforce development needs of one of our region's primary industries."
Criteria for the scholarships include full-time enrollment, a B average, financial need, and North Carolina residency. Recipients can use the money to pay for tuition, fees and books, and the awards are renewable if students continue to meet the criteria. Students who are chosen for the awards will participate in internships at The Grove Park Inn.
For additional information on the scholarships, contact Anita Metcalf, executive director of the A-B Tech Foundation, at 254-1921, Ext.176 or ametcalf@abtech.edu.
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