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Maine Innkeepers Association reports Growing suppport for “Giving Getaways” – Fifth Annual “Hospitality for Habitat” Program a success

Freeport, ME – – As the final numbers for the Maine Innkeeper’s Association (MEIA) fifth annual Hospitality for Habitat program are tallied, it is clear that visitors to Maine appreciate the opportunity to ‘give while getting away’. Hospitality for Habitat was designed to raise money for local Maine chapters of Habitat for Humanity, and since its inception in 2003 the program has grown each year. This year Hospitality for Habitat attracted more than 40 MEIA members and raised over $12,000 to help fund housing for Maine families.

Hospitality for Habitat runs in the spring, and participating Innkeepers offer a designated number of their rooms at half price in return for a $35 check written by the guest to Habitat for Humanity.

The increasing interest in the program supports the trend for “giving getaways,”- giving back to the region in some way while on vacation.

Hospitality for Habitat gives guests an opportunity to support and give back to the community where they enjoy spending their vacations in a meaningful way,” said Greg Dugal, Executive Director for MEIA. “The program is a perfect fit- The Maine Innkeepers Association members provide lodging for the traveling public; Habitat for Humanity helps provide lodging for families not otherwise able to afford it.”

According to Nancy Gray, Innkeeper/owner at the Freeport Harraseeket Inn, guests enjoy the program and look forward to travelling in the spring so they can participate. “Our guests love to book rooms when they know they are supporting Hospitality for Habitat. And the staff really enjoys the promotion which helps Maine families, so this year we actually extended the time frame at the Harraseeket Inn so more visitors could enjoy the discount and contribute to such a great cause.” Gray even cites one guest who wasn’t able to make the trip to Maine but sent the donation anyway. “People love doing the right thing when given the opportunity,” said Gray.

“We’re delighted that so many of our members stepped up to help us with this project again this year,” stated Dugal, as he counted up hundreds of checks from 44 participating properties. “And we hope each year, we can at least double that amount. We seem to have hit a chord with both Innkeepers and travelers - guests get a great deal on a wonderful vacation, Innkeepers fill beds during a slow period, and they both help a very good cause.”

The five top contributors to the program this year were the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport; the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, the Oakland House Seaside Resort , the Village by the Sea Hotel & Conference Center in Wells and the Mira Monte Inn in Bar Harbor.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages.  www.habitat.org

About the Maine Innkeepers Association

The Maine Innkeepers Association, a leading provider of tourism information to both Maine’s lodging industry and its visitors, represents nearly 700 B&Bs, camps, cottages, hotels, inns, motels and resorts across Maine, and their suppliers. Through communication, education, promotion and government affairs, the Association helps its members achieve prosperity and deliver a quality product to the consumer.

Maine Innkeepers Association is located in Freeport, ME and can also be found at www.maineinns.com