Grand Pacific Resorts Rallies Support to Raise $100,000 to Help Break the Cycle of Poverty

Thanks to the generosity of Fidelity National Timeshare, Welk Resorts, and partners throughout the vacation ownership industry, along with local companies, tournament host Grand Pacific Resorts announced that fundraising at The 17^th Annual RCI Christel House Open at Shadowridge Country Club in Vista, California nearly doubled over last year’s donations, by raising $100,000 for Christel House International in an effort to #DriveOutPoverty.

Christel House breaks the cycle of poverty by giving kids a hand-up, not a handout. Christel House’s six “learning centers” are located in impoverished communities around the globe, particularly in Mexico City where associates at Grand Pacific Resorts have a deep connection to the organization’s mission. The entire family is uplifted at Christel House because children now have access to high-quality education including English and technology.

The event was especially touching, as Ambassadors of Christel House were on hand to share their stories. Blanca and Zairra, Christel House Academy Interns from Indiana, and Rosa, a graduate of Christel House Mexico City, spoke about the life skills, education, and guidance they received from Christel House which was instrumental in obtaining admission to top universities. Watch the video here.

“Christel House provided me with education, healthcare, nutrition, and college and career guidance which compliments all the values that I learned there,” says Rosa. “A couple of years ago I read a quote that said, ‘What if the cure for cancer is trapped inside the mind of someone who can’t afford an education?’ and it had a profound impact on me. It made me realize that I could be that doctor, which is why I leaned on Christel House to help me get into medical school, where I am now finishing my second year.”

With the support for a third consecutive year of ABC network affiliate 10News, Grand Pacific Resorts raised awareness in the local community leading up to the event with an appearance on a San Diego Connect broadcast. Generous donations from Fidelity National Timeshare and Welk Resorts as well as 17 other major sponsors, along with the attendance of 120 golfers, resulted in raising $100,000 for Christel House International, where the funds will go directly to support programs and services for children.

“It only takes $3,500 to provide education, meals, clothes, transportation, and healthcare to one child for one year and I’m ecstatic to report that our collective efforts for this event translate to sponsoring 23 students!” said David Brown, Co-President of Grand Pacific Resorts. “To put that in perspective, the school Rosa attended in Mexico City is at capacity serving 800 children. This event brings me hope that together those children will go on to become leaders in their community and also inspire a lifetime of helping the next generation.”

To learn more about how you can get involved go to GrandPacificResorts.com/ChristelHouse.

About Grand Pacific Resorts

Grand Pacific Resorts creates experiences worth sharing for more than 70,000 owner families and tens of thousands of loyal guests each year. Based in Carlsbad, California, the resort management company tailors its services to preserve the distinctive experience offered by each destination. Owners and guests’ vacation with Grand Pacific Resorts year after year because they appreciate the team’s heartfelt service culture and passion for hospitality. For more information, visit GrandPacificResorts.com.

About Christel House

The mission of Christel House is to transform the lives of impoverished children around the world—breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society. A focus on academic excellence through a robust K–12 curriculum is combined with a strong character development program to give students the skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in complex 21st Century society.

Christel House students maintain a 98% graduation exam pass rate, and the majority of its graduates go on to pursue higher education. They become productive citizens, and many secure employment with top multinational corporations. Christel House graduates are confident, hardworking, responsible and ethical, with a passion for giving back to their communities and caring for their families.

For more information, please visit www.christelhouse.org and on social media at www.facebook.com/christelhouse; www.twitter.com/christelhouse