Grand Teton Lodge Company Encourages Guest Donations to Preserve National Parks

MORAN, Wyo., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spirit of caring for the future of America's national parks, Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC) today announced a unique donation matching program for the 2014 summer season that will boost its annual contribution to Grand Teton National Park Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising partner for Grand Teton National Park. Additionally, GTLC has pledged 1,000 hours of volunteer time in the park over the next two years on projects associated with the Foundation's Inspiring Journeys campaign.

Each year GTLC encourages guests to make a voluntary contribution of $1.00 per day during the length of their stay. For the duration of the summer 2014 season, GTLC has promised to match, dollar for dollar, all guest contributions. Guest contributions will be confirmed on their hotel bills, and GTLC will pool all donations at the end of the season into a fully matched donation provided to the Foundation.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to announce the kickoff of this special matching program in partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation for 2014," said Alex Klein, Vice President and General Manager of Grand Teton Lodge Company. "We're equally excited about the volunteer opportunities that will allow our employees to contribute to improving the visitor experience in the Park."

Grand Teton National Park Foundation provides ongoing support for wildlife protection and youth outreach as well as special projects such as the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose, Wyo., that was completed in 2011. The Foundation is currently raising funds for Inspiring Journeys, a $16.4 million project that is transforming the south Jenny Lake trail system and visitor plaza in honor of the National Park Service centennial in 2016. The matching funds raised this summer will be earmarked to the Inspiring Journeys campaign.

"Grand Teton Lodge Company is our largest and one of our longest running supporters. They've been a strong partner who helped with building the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and its auditorium, and now, advancing the Inspiring Journeys campaign," said Foundation President Leslie Mattson. "On the ground, their gifts translate into incredible things for millions of people who come to the park—whether it's educational moments or unforgettable experiences, partnerships allow us to take our projects to a much higher level."

"At GTLC we do all we can to take care of the beautiful natural setting that we are lucky enough to work in, and this donation is part of that commitment," said Klein.

Through active guest participation and its own commitments to sustainability, GTLC looks forward to making Grand Teton a dynamic destination for decades to come.

About Grand Teton Lodge Company
With a mission to preserve, protect and inspire, Grand Teton Lodge Company is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service within Grand Teton National Park operating the lodging, restaurants, tours and activities at Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village and Flagg Ranch Company at Headwaters Lodge and Cabins, as well as the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, which is located just outside the park in Jackson Hole, Wyo. GTLC is committed to a comprehensive systematic approach to sustainable business practices that preserve the environment, provide quality service, and offer a healthy and safe place for its guests and employees. For more information visit gtlc.com.

About Grand Teton National Park Foundation
Grand Teton National Park Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to fund projects that protect and enhance Grand Teton National Park's treasured resources.  By funding initiatives that go beyond what the NPS could accomplish on its own, the Foundation initiates improvements, critical research, and projects that enhance visitors' experiences, creating a solid future for Grand Teton.  To learn more about the Inspiring Journeys campaign, visit www.gtnpf.org.

SOURCE Grand Teton Lodge Company