This year, we invited our teams to step up and make a difference in their communities—and they delivered in the most inspiring ways. From coast to coast, GES employees showed incredible heart, dedicating their time and energy to causes that matter. We’re proud to spotlight our passionate team members and the meaningful work they’ve done. Join us as we take a look at their contributions.
Rainbow Days Back-to-School Celebration
DALLAS, TX
Kevin Orzen and the Dallas team recently partnered with Rainbow Days for their annual Back-to-School Celebration at the Dallas Market Center—an event that supports over 1,000 at-risk and homeless children in the Dallas area. GES donated both labor and furniture to help create a welcoming and organized space for the distribution of backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, and other essential resources.
This joyful initiative ensures that every child starts the school year feeling confident, supported, and ready to succeed. We’re proud to support Rainbow Days in their mission to empower children and families through meaningful community engagement.
Hospitality Helping Hands
LOUISVILLE, KY
At this year’s EduCon, GES proudly joined the Hospitality Helping Hands (HHH) event—an inspiring initiative led by the PCMA Foundation that brings the business events community together to give back. 
This year’s volunteer efforts supported the Backside Learning Center, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of equine workers and their families at Churchill Downs. GES team members and other volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help with landscaping, cleanup, and planting projects—creating a more welcoming and vibrant space for this hardworking community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting hospitality professionals, GES also presented a grant check to the Above and Beyond Foundation through the PCMA Foundation. This grant supports the Heroes of Hospitality Award, which recognizes front-line hospitality workers who exemplify the heart of the industry through extraordinary acts of service and dedication.
Together, through hands-on service and meaningful financial support, we’re proud to uplift the people and communities that make the hospitality industry so special.
Special thanks to the dedicated participants and leaders who made this event a success, including:
- Craig Greenberg, Mayor of Louisville
- Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA
- John Loveless, Senior Vice President, Business Development, GES
- Kimberly Rawlins, Louisville Marriott Downtown
- Terry Badgett, Musselman Hotels
- Meredith Rollins, Executive Director, PCMA Foundation
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
ORLANDO, FL
In partnership with the IAEE Southeast Chapter, our GES team had the opportunity to volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, an organization dedicated to closing the gap of unmet need across the region. Their mission—to create hope and nourish lives through a powerful hunger relief network—aligns closely with our values of service and community support.
During the event, volunteers helped plate nearly 12,000 meals for local schools and families, contributing directly to the food bank’s efforts to Feed, Empower, Nourish, and Engage the Central Florida community. It was a meaningful day of hands-on service, where our team not only gave their time but also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges many families face and the importance of collective action in addressing food insecurity.
We’re proud to recognize the GES team members who participated in this impactful effort: Nicole Martinez, Rachel Estey, Carl Bradley, Scott Crawford, and Cheryl Witt. Their dedication and compassion reflect the spirit of GES and our ongoing commitment to giving back.
.png)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jackie Murphy
