The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Political Action Committee (ASTAPAC) launched a Charitable Match Program, in connection with its 2005 fundraising campaign. The $25,000 funding for the…
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Political Action Committee (ASTAPAC) launched a Charitable Match Program, in connection with its 2005 fundraising campaign. The $25,000 funding for the matching fund program was provided by ASTA’s Corporate Advisory Council (CAC). This program was initiated by Bruce Charendoff, senior vice president of government affairs for Sabre Holdings, Inc. and a member of the CAC. Overall, ASTA challenged its chapters to meet certain ASTAPAC fundraising criteria in order to qualify for the CAC matching charitable funds. The disbursement of the CAC funds was made on a first-come, first-serve basis; and there were 14 qualifying chapters.
“The CAC charitable match program represents a win/win for ASTA and the community,” said Sabre’s Bruce Charendoff. “The program generated unprecedented giving to ASTAPAC, which is now among the strongest, best funded political action committees in the industry. It also gave ASTA Chapters a creative way to support worthy charitable endeavors in their communities at a time when support is desperately needed.”
“This has been an exciting year for ASTAPAC,” said John F. Haskins, chairman of the ASTAPAC Governing Board, and vice president, Viking Travel Service, Naperville, Ill. “The 2005 ASTAPAC Charitable Matching Program has offered ASTA members a way to strengthen their ‘One Voice’ in government while pulling together to do good work for worthy causes. The program increased ASTAPAC’s donation levels and more than doubled our 2004 fundraising efforts.”
ASTA’s Mid-America Chapter competed strongly for the matching funds. Chris Seddelmeyer, who is the chapter’s treasurer, presented the check on behalf of ASTA to the local Red Cross Chapter, on whose board she also serves. The presentation of the check was made with a full explanation of who ASTA is and the fundraising mission behind the ASTAPAC matching funds project. There were approximately 15 Red Cross Board members present along with two local TV stations (NBC & FOX); one local radio station conducted interviews and taped the presentation.
The following charities were selected by the eligible chapters and received their donations during the months of December and January:
- Communities in Schools of Arizona (Arizona Chapter)
- American Red Cross (Central Atlantic, Mid-America, Missouri Valley Chapters and ASTA headquarters and NACTA)
- Doctors Without Borders (Central Atlantic Chapter)
- Lighthouse of Oakland County, Inc. (Michigan Chapter)
- Du Page PAD (Public Action to Deliver Shelter), Inc. (Midwest Chapter)
- Journey from PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) to Hope (Midwest Chapter)
- The Night Ministry (Midwest Chapter)
- Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey (New Jersey Chapter)
- Northwest Medical Teams International, Inc. (Oregon Chapter)
- Kids in Distress (South Florida Chapter)
- Westbank Rotary Club Foundation (Southeast Chapter)
- Inside Out Community Arts (Southern California Chapter)
- Kearney County Community Foundation (Southern California Chapter)
- Habitat for Humanity International (Southwest Chapter)
- Servicemen`s Center, Inc. Minnesota (Upper Midwest)
- Rosalie Manor Community and Family Services (Wisconsin/ Upper Peninsula of Michigan Chapter)
The charitable match program has helped to boost ASTA’s member interest in ASTAPAC. But more importantly, it has made the ASTA’s CAC an integral partner in ASTAPAC’s 2005 fundraising efforts and provided the travel agents an opportunity to give to those less fortunate.
ASTAPAC was established in 1979 to represent the collective voice of the Society’s travel agent membership before the U.S. Congress and the White House. Celebrating its 27th year as the strongest PAC for travel agents, ASTAPAC has educated elected officials about travel agent issues and helped counterbalance opposing positions. Within the last six years alone, ASTAPAC has contributed nearly $200,000 to worthy, pro-travel agent candidates.
The Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) is comprised of the heads of the largest travel agency organizations (i.e., consortia, franchise organizations, independent agencies). The Council works on issues of common interest to the retail travel agent community coordinated through the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
