A Hotelier Serving a Higher Purpose. Hyatt Regency New Orleans General Manager wins The Time-Picayune Loving Cup for his Revered Philanthropic Efforts.
Imagine this: A hotel General Manager and staff donating upwards of $1.6 M of in-kind donations yearly, and volunteering more than 1,000 hours to the community. That is exactly what Hyatt Regency New Orleans (HRNO) General Manager Michael Smith has done. And now, he is the proud winner of this years The Times-Picayune Loving Cup.
NEW ORLEANS, August 06, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Imagine this: A hotel General Manager and staff donating upwards of $1.6 M of in-kind donations yearly, and volunteering more than 1,000 hours to the community. That is exactly what Hyatt Regency New Orleans (HRNO) General Manager Michael Smith has done. And now, he is the proud winner of this years The Times-Picayune Loving Cup.
The Loving Cup, which is given to celebrate activity in the preceding year, has been awarded since 1901 to men and women who have worked unselfishly for the community without expectation of public recognition or material reward. Dating back more than 120 years this once in a life time honor includes former recipients such as, the late Leah Chase, Roger Ogden of the Ogden Museum, Bill Goldring and many more.
"To get this kind of recognition, knowing that The Times-Picayune has been giving out this award for nearly 120 years, is a gigantic honor," Smith said.
Smith, the Hyatt's general manager since 2004, has used the hotel as a venue for the myriad causes and organizations he supports. But he does more than merely provide the venue. He helps organize the event, and he engages well-heeled friends, including corporate leaders, to kick in.
"I'm not the guy who writes the check; I'm the guy who does the work," says Smith.
Michael has utilized his platform to excel toward his life's mission as a philanthropist. As an active civic citizen within the city, he takes pride in supporting programs and organizations of diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ, arts & culture, education, religion and community. Deemed a true advocate and ally, Smith seeks the opportunity to serve a higher purpose—not only as a true testament to himself, but the city of New Orleans.
Smith enjoys exercising daily with a favorite pastime of mountainous nature walks. Deemed a wine connoisseur, Smith has collected more than 1,000 bottles of the finest wine over the years. He enjoys traveling the world learning about the different cultures, cuisine, and traditions. When home, he loves to cook the many of the dishes experienced while traveling, adding his special twist, then sharing with friends and family.
Through his leadership, vision and passion, Smith's efforts have not only perpetuated economic development, but achieved long lasting and sustainable results. His desire for the betterment of the community has boasted him as a necessary attribute to any city—and especially, this great city.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans Documentary
SOURCE Hyatt Regency New Orleans
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