Mar 24, 2015

HMSHost Honored With Interfaith Works Corporate Partnership Award

Community efforts recognized at 18th Annual Companies Caring Breakfast

BETHESDA, MD — Local restaurateur HMSHost, was honored today by Rockville-based nonprofit, Interfaith Works with the Corporate Partnership Award at the 18th Annual Companies Caring Breakfast. Interfaith Works is a nonprofit agency working to meet the needs of the poor and homeless in Montgomery County. The Corporate Partnership Award recognizes a company that has demonstrated a commitment to Interfaith Works’ goals. The event was held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

HMSHost’s primary liaisons with Interfaith Works, Senior Manager of Human Resources Gina Smith and Rewards & Recognition Specialist Haia Perlmutter were present to accept the award alongside fellow colleagues from the executive team and various other departments. Although HMSHost’s business has a global reach, associates at the corporate headquarters in Bethesda recognize the importance of thinking and acting locally when it comes to directing charitable efforts.

“As a long-time member of the Montgomery County community, HMSHost could not think of a more vital organization to support than Interfaith Works,” said HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson. “Many of our associates not only work in Montgomery County, but they also live here, and being able to show compassion for our fellow citizens by partnering with Interfaith Works and supporting their remarkable efforts is a fulfilling endeavor on many levels. It is a great honor, and we are humbled to receive this award from them for our efforts in the community.”

HMSHost has been partnering with Interfaith Works on community efforts since 2012. Some of the activities by HMSHost’s local associates include donating and sorting clothing for The Interfaith Clothing Center, a program which provides clothing and household goods to 13,000 residents each year; donating food from the corporate test kitchen; throwing cook-outs at Interfaith Works’ facilities; and hosting drives for clothing and supplies with focuses such as Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and back-to-school.

In addition, the “Angel Tree” event, which takes place leading up to the winter holidays, has grown to become a beloved annual tradition for all at HMSHost’s headquarters. The event is carried out by displaying individualized tree ornaments containing the wish-lists of gifts from economically vulnerable children. The gifts are then selected by HMSHost associates, to be purchased and wrapped, and then delivered to families in need in time for the holidays.

The 18th Annual Companies Caring Breakfast is attended by corporate and government leaders, foundation representatives, and community supporters. The gathering is a celebration of partnering to combat poverty and hunger in Montgomery County. Additional details can be found on this Interfaith Works page created to honor HMSHost. Contributions to InterfaithWorks in honor of HMSHost can be made to a special awards fund by clicking here.