Hello everyone:

Our Annual H.O.T. Challenge golf tournament is now "in the clubhouse" and I am incredibly proud and appreciative to share that thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, golfers and auction participants, just over $200,000 was generated -- a record fundraising level.

Proceeds of course benefit the foundation that supports our Black Hospitality & Tourism Initiative (BHI).  This will fuel more scholarships at our partner schools of hospitality management and our culinary programs.

A sincere "thank you" to all involved.

Speaking of the BHI, an incredible partnership has been created (a real hole in one - sorry, couldn't resist) and I am even more proud to share that at the event's luncheon - Rick Beasley, executive director, CareerSource South Florida and GMCVB board member was able to announce a "challenge grant" matching contributions by 12 partner hotels resulting in an additional contribution to the BHI Foundation from CareerSource South Florida of $36,000.  This will all be used for scholarships and internships for tomorrow's leaders.  Thank you, Rick, and thank you CareerSource South Florida.

A new phase of our relationship has been launched as we now will be working directly with these hotels and CareerSource South Florida on a new apprenticeship and workplace learning pilot project.

A special thanks again to our hotel partners:

Eden Rock
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Goldman Properties (The Tony Hotel)
Hilton Cabana Miami Beach
Hyatt Regency Miami
InterContinental Hotel Miami
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Miami Lakes Hotel 
Biltmore Hotel
Doubletree by Hilton Biscayne Bay

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
Mandarin Oriental Miami

David Whitaker, President & CEO
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau