Above / The management team of the Embassy Suites Chicago Naperville Hotel spread good cheer and thanksgiving in time for America’s special holiday during a visit with Chief Mark Puknaitis at the Naperville Fire Department, one of three stops to distribute turkeys.
On Tues., Nov. 22, General Manager Jerry Evans and Director of Sales Dana Solomon of the Embassy Suites Chicago Naperville Hotel, along with CEO/Owner Ashraf Lakhany of Superhost Hospitality, visited Naperville Police and Fire Departments to express gratitude for public safety. During the stops, the team presented gifts of turkeys with sincere appreciation for the city’s first responders and their families during this holiday season.
“The turkeys were graciously donated to all the fire stations for the firefighters that are scheduled to work on Thanksgiving,” said Chief Puknaitis. “All of us in the fire department appreciate the generosity that is extended to all firefighters during the holidays and throughout the year.”
Puknaitis also said the turkeys were distributed to charitable groups within the city.
“The fire department personnel certainly understand the spirit of giving throughout the year as evidenced by our second annual ‘food fight’ and coat drive which all members of the fire department at all stations participate in so that persons in need within Naperville can benefit from our own donations as well,” added Puknaitis. “The giving is truly a reciprocal effort by so many in this community that reflects the true reasons to celebrate our holiday season.”
“Big thanks to Embassy Suites Naperville for donating 25 turkeys to the police department,” noted Deputy Chief Jason Arres. “This helped us give back to the community, as these were then donated to various religious organizations, community members in need, and Loaves and Fishes.”
In addition to the Public Safety Center, donations found their way to Hesed House, the homeless shelter in Aurora.
In Illinois, Hesed House is the largest shelter outside of the city of Chicago. With the help of professional staff, alliances with outside agencies, 6,000 volunteers from 70 area churches and other supporters, nearly 1,000 individuals (including 188 children) are served each year through the shelter at Hesed House and three housing programs.
“We are really grateful to the folks over at Embassy Suites,” said Hesed House Executive Director Ryan Dowd, noting that Debbie Harrington had accepted the turkeys when delivered by Embassy Suites. “This is a tough time of year for a lot of people and a good meal just makes it so much better!”
In total, 100 turkeys were donated to the community.
Happy Thanksgiving wishes
“We hope that you and yours can take time to think about your daily blessings and lift others as needed,” noted Ashraf Lakhany in the news release. “It costs nothing to be grateful and appreciative, and yet, it has a considerable impact on the quality of your life and the lives of others.
“Blessings for good health and happiness on Thanksgiving day and always.”
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville is located at1823 Abriter Court, just off Naperville’s Corporate Corridor. For more information, www.chicagonaperville.embassysuites.com.
Story and photos submitted by Dana Solomon, Director of Sales, for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville.
