Hyatt golf fundraiser to benefit six foundations

Representatives of the NMI Humanities Council pose for a picture with Hyatt Regency Saipan officials and staff yesterday at the Giovanni’s restaurant. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

The Hyatt Regency Saipan announced yesterday the beneficiaries of its 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic.

Aside from its main beneficiary, which is the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the hotel will also be allotting the funds it will raise from its golf fundraiser to the NMI Humanities Council, the Marianas Behavioral Health International, Kagman High School’s Million Dollar Scholar, Karidat Social Services, and the Empty Vessel Ministry.

Hyatt Regency has been hosting the annual sporting event to raise funds that they donate to the charities of their choice.

The fundraiser’s main beneficiary, Make-A-Wish Foundation, grants wishes to children in Guam and CNMI who face life-threatening illnesses.

The NMI Humanities Council supports indigenous cultures in the CNMI; Marianas Behavioral Health International is a support system for those battling mental health issues; the Million Dollar Scholar helps high school students go to college; Karidat Social Services supports the community and its needs; and Empty Vessel Ministry assists impoverished women and children in the CNMI.

In all, a total of 20 foundations applied to benefit from the Hyatt golf charity.

In past years, Hyatt Regency chose only two beneficiaries of the funds raised from the golf charity. This year, the hotel’s employees picked six.

Last year, Hyatt Regency raised $52,000 in donations and it was split between two charity groups. It hopes to raise the same amount or more this year to split amongst the six foundations.

Hyatt Regency marketing communications manager Maria Valentina Haberman wants the hotel to reach out more since their lease is approaching its end.

“For the next four years, we will work with the community as much as we can. We hope to have more beneficiaries in the next four years as well as programs for the community,” Haberman said.

Rose Smith of Empty Vessel Ministry said, “We appreciate the donation from Hyatt. Without this big help, as well as help from other organizations, we would not be able to do the work that we do.” Empty Vessel Ministry plans to use the funds for their upcoming summer program.

NMI Humanities Council board chair Frankie Eliptico said, “We are extremely thankful for the Hyatt Regency’s selection of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council to receive proceeds and funds received from their golf tournament. …Hyatt does a lot for the community and we are glad that we are one of their partners as we help all the different causes that are important here in the CNMI. They are truly angels.”

Eleanor Cabrera, board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, also thanked Hyatt Regency for its help throughout the years.

“We are happy that the partnership exists for as long as it has here on Saipan because all our wishes are funded by companies such as Hyatt,” she said. (Kimberly A. Bautista)