DURHAM, NC--(Marketwire - Oct 28, 2011) - Reaching out in support of the local Ronald McDonald House in Durham, NC, staff members and associates of one of the most accommodating hotels near Duke University Hospital recently stepped up to prepare a meal for families staying at the facility.
Starting from scratch, the service-oriented staff of the Courtyard Durham near Duke University/Downtown hotel cooked for 50-60 guests at the Ronald McDonald House on August 9, 2011, after first gathering up nearly $400 worth of food to provide a full course dinner of pasta, bread, sides, salads, desserts, and beverages.
Conveniently located near Duke Children's Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of Durham has been helping families since 1980 allowing them to focus on the health and well-being of their critically ill children by keeping families together who are in need of a community of hope, comfort and empathy.
While the entire staff of this Durham hotel assisted in contributing food for the meal, those participating in meal preparation at the Ronald McDonald House included General Manager Tracy Polo, Operations Manager and Executive Housekeeper Sebastian Cabrera; Restaurant Supervisor Morgan Thacker and Front Desk Associate Chris Aycock.
"Cooking for the Ronald McDonald House was a very compelling experience," said Tim Rogers, Director of Sales at the Courtyard. "Helping these families by providing a hot meal at the end of their long day at the hospital was a pleasure and it was a gift for us, too, when we saw the smiles on their faces."
The satisfaction garnered by Courtyard staff in supporting the Ronald McDonald House as it provides a "home away from home" for its guests is a perfect fit as a community service project for the Courtyard, one of the top choices among Durham extended stay hotels, and plans are underway for staff members to prepare another meal during the holiday season in December.
Over its past 31 years of service the Ronald McDonald House of Durham has maintained an occupancy rate of 97.5 percent and personnel there continually witness an ever increasing need to accommodate families seeking medical care at Duke Children's Hospital, the Children's Health Center and Lenox Baker Facility. In addition to House services, families inside Duke Children's Hospital can access the Ronald McDonald Family Room, conveniently located just steps away from the hospital's pediatric intensive care units.
About the Courtyard Durham near Duke University/Downtown Hotel
The Courtyard Durham near Duke University/Downtown is an ideal choice among Duke hospital hotels, offering stylish and affordable accommodations designed to comfortably meet the needs of all travelers by offering gracious amenities including complimentary shuttle service within a seven-mile radius of the hotel. Well-appointed guest rooms feature thick mattresses and fluffy pillows, all topped with cotton-rich linens for a restful night's sleep. Free high-speed, wireless Internet access is provided throughout the property and guests also enjoy complimentary on-site parking.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Tim Rogers
Director of Sales
Durham Courtyard by Marriott
P: 919-309-1500
