Now in its third year of operation, USTOA's Travelers Conservation Foundation has achieved a number of firsts in 2001.
According to new Executive Director Bruce Beckham, the goal for the year was to increase awareness of the foundation within the travel industry. Accordingly, for the first time, TCF produced a fund raising event, the USTOA Leadership Summit, recently held in the Dominican Republic. The Summit itself netted more than $50,000 in contributions to TCF.
Another first is the awarding of the Smithsonian Magazine/USTOA Conservation Award, recognizing an individual, organization or destination in the travel or tourism industry that has made significant contributions toward the preservation and protection of historical, cultural, or natural treasures.
TCF this year has also extended its base of donors by reaching out to the Allied and Associate members of USTOA, as well as industry partners such as incentive companies, transportation companies, tourist boards, and others to create awareness of the fund.
"TCFOnline.org," the foundation's website, was also created this past year, and is an important source of information for the industry and for potential donors. Currently in progress is the development of a public service ad campaign for both travel trade and consumer travel magazines, as well as the development of an awareness and fundraising campaign involving travelers through USTOA member brochure promotions.
This past year too, the TCF Board was expanded to reflect a broader representation of USTOA members. Four new board members were appointed: Dan Sullivan, Jr., CEO, Collette Vacations; Ron Letterman, CTC, CEO, Classic Custom Vacations; Michelle Kassner, President, GOGO Worldwide Vacations; and Brian W. Stack, President, CIE Tours International. They joined Sven-Olof Lindblad, President, Lindblad Expeditions, and TCF Chairman; Charlie Ball, Vice President, Princess Cruises; John Stachnik, President, Mayflower Tours; Arthur Tauck, Chairman of the Board, Tauck World Discovery, Inc.; and Robert E. Whitley, President, USTOA.
"Despite the difficulties of 2001, this year represented substantial growth in TCF's awareness both inside and outside of USTOA," notes Beckham. TCF is also working toward joint promotions with sister organizations such as NTA, SYTA, ATME, ABA, ASTA and others, as well as furthering relationships and partnerships with organizations such as the World Monuments Fund, Save America's Treasures, the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
According to Beckham, ongoing projects include funding for work at Ellis Island's Ferry Building. The exterior is nearly finished, and work on the interior has begun, he reports. Plans call for the Ferry Building to house a visitor center and exhibit.
Formed in 1999, the Travelers Conservation Foundation is the charitable arm of USTOA. TCF identifies cultural, historical and environmental sites in need of conservation, preservation or restoration throughout the world, and provides funding either through USTOA-member and public contributions, or through philanthropic partnerships and matching grants. In order to qualify for TCF consideration, all projects must be related to tourism.
Since its inception, TCF has raised and generated contributions of more than $1 million to help preserve and protect the world's natural, cultural and historic treasures for future generations.
More information on TCF is available through the fund's web
site, www.tcfonline.org, or by contacting TCF c/o Bruce Beckham
& Associates, Inc., 781-821-5990, or toll free at 888-821-5990,
fax 781-828-4319, e-mail Beckham@aol.com.
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
