As the season of gratitude gives way to the season of giving, Giving Tuesday serves as a global reminder to make an impact through acts of generosity. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this day is an opportunity to rally together and give back to our communities in meaningful ways. Many members of the Outdoor Hospitality Industry take this to heart year-round, contributing to charitable initiatives that uplift their neighbors and beyond. Here’s how just a few members of our OHI community members and beyond have been giving back:
Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness
This October, Blue Water Development launched their annual Blue Turns Pink campaign, raising funds for breast cancer research and awareness. Aiming to collect $60,000 across their properties, the company is committed to supporting organizations like The Jack Burbage Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, The Magic Yarn Project, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Every dollar raised was matched by an anonymous donor, doubling the impact of their fundraising efforts. Rooted in the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Blue Water’s contributions honor their founder, Jack Burbage, and highlight their deep ties to the community.
Glamping for Caregiving Families
In a heartwarming initiative, Luray RV Resort is set to host a Family Glamp trip in June 2025, offering 50 caregiving families a much-needed getaway. By partnering with A Mother’s Rest Charitable Respite Foundation, Luray is creating an opportunity for these families to relax and recharge in the serene setting of the Shenandoah River. Their generosity reflects a commitment to recognizing and uplifting the unsung heroes in our communities.
San Marcos River Resort – Fentress, TX
BBQ Cook-Off for Christmas Cheer
San Marcos River Resort in Fentress, Texas, held their 10th Annual BBQ Cook-Off in October to benefit the Caldwell County Brown Santa Charity Organization. This annual event brought the community together to raise funds for Christmas presents for children in need. Combining good food with a great cause, the resort continues to be a show of holiday spirit in their area.
Waubeeka Family Campground – Copake, NY
This fall, Waubeeka Family Campground hosted multiple poker night events to benefit local organizations a few being Friends of Troop 37 and the VFW Building Fund. By supporting local scouting and veterans’ groups, Waubeeka is uplifting those who serve their community and country.
Savannah Lakes RV Resort – Hardeeville, SC
A Food Drive for Neighbors in Need
In July, Savannah Lakes RV Resort in Hardeeville, South Carolina, organized a food drive to support The Agape Center. Guests and staff were encouraged to drop off canned goods at the front office, helping to provide essential items to families in need. This initiative reflects the park’s commitment to tackling food insecurity within their local community.
Cold Springs Camp Resort – Weare, NH
Fundraising for Local Nonprofits
During their Fundraising Weekend, Cold Springs Camp Resort in Weare, New Hampshire, raised an impressive $9,162 for three nonprofits: Live and Let Live Farm, Weare Food Pantry, and Hand in Hand Ministries. Through events like silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, and cornhole tournaments, they rallied their guests and staff to make a difference. Their creative approach to giving back shows how small efforts can lead to significant results.
And we couldn’t leave out the OHI Foundation.
Scholarships to keep you growing
Through generous donations from our members and colleagues, the OHI Foundation awards scholarships for professional development opportunities such as the annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo (OHCE) and the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality.
When natural disasters strike, it’s in our nature to help
Providing relief, hope, and strength to victims of natural disasters undergoing reconstruction and rehabilitation one family or business at a time. Donate to help the OHI Foundation provide disaster relief support for parks with much needed and immediate financial support.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s celebrate the generosity of OHI member parks and think of how we can give back to our communities. Whether by donating to local causes or volunteering your own time, there are countless ways to make a difference. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond our immediate communities.
