Pittsburgh-born and GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kevin Garrett unveils the music video for his newly released single, “Gone Again” today! He said about the song, “‘Gone Again’ is about bracing for impact with rose colored glasses on. It’s an attempt at looking at something good in your life with lower expectations in fear of losing it.”
Kevin said on the video concept, “The director and I aligned on creating a visual that maintains tension, but points to loosening up ever so slightly.”
Kevin recently dropped is new EP Made Up Lost Time (HERE) and announced that he will be opening up for Lennon Stella on her upcoming North American tour. Click HERE for more info.
Last year, Kevin released his much-anticipated full-length debut album, HOAX. The year also saw him make late night television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, performing the lead single off the project, “It Don’t Bother Me At All.” Click HERE to watch his performance!
OVOLO GROUP TO OPEN NEW URBAN RESORT IN BALI IN LATE 2020
The new Mamaka by Ovolo will be a part of the island’s revitalized Kuta district
Ovolo Group, the design-led hotel collection with properties throughout Australia and Hong Kong, will unveil its first-ever resort in Indonesia in late 2020, with the opening of the beachfront Mamaka by Ovolo in the island’s revitalized Kuta precinct.
Formerly the Citadines Kuta Beach Bali, the property will close early this month and is expected to reopen in late 2020 as Mamaka by Ovolo, complete with 191 designer rooms and suites, innovative food and drink concepts, and unique experiences. As part of the new brand architecture and “Wonder.Full.” brand campaign recently unveiled by Ovolo, the new Mamaka Kuta Beach will join the By Ovolo Collective, which includes the Nishi Apartments Canberra Australia, Mojo Nomad Aberdeen Harbour Hong Kong and the soon-to-open Sheung Wan Central Hong Kong.
The playful design aesthetic of Mamaka by Ovolo was envisioned by the Ovolo team and realized by ara design international, the brand behind many international hotel and resort projects. Heavily inspired by its island home, Mamaka by Ovolo has merged the global brand ethos of Ovolo – that of vibrant, dynamic spaces – with ancient Balinese culture (in the ancient Pali language, “mamaka” translates as one who shows affection not only for oneself). The hotel’s design will embrace vibrant colors and traditional Balinese textiles like kebaya baju, alongside natural materials, ample weaving, bold patterns, and lantern effect lighting.
Mamaka by Ovolo will boast several all-day bar and dining venues, including the island’s highest rooftop pool club with 270-degree views of Bali’s western beaches from Jimbaran to Canggu and beyond. And as Kuta’s beachfront is home to the island’s best surf break for beginners and recreational surfers, the resort will also have its own in-house surf school, as well as a circuit-training mechanical surfboard for core strength, horizontal climbing wall, wellness center and unisex salon.
“Convention was not considered – this is our take on a resort. It will be a playground for travelers through food and drink with attitude, wellness and activities, a surf school and shop, and a little self-indulgence – they won’t want to leave!” says Girish Jhunjhnuwala, Founder & CEO of Ovolo Group. “This urban resort will bring a killer experience to Kuta adding to its growing vibe.”
As part of the Mamaka development, furnishings and kitchen items from 10 rooms at the former Citadines Kuta Beach Bali have been donated to the local non-profit foundation Yayasan Solemen Indonesia (‘Solemen’), which provides direct support and funding to the disadvantaged. The donation has included everything from sofas to cutlery and microwaves to mini bar fridges, which will be given directly to people in need or sold to assist the charity continue its important work in the community.
ABOUT OVOLO GROUP:
Ovolo Group was founded by entrepreneur Girish Jhunjhnuwala in 2010 and has quickly become one of Hong Kong’s largest and most dynamic independent hospitality firms. The Group provides both business and leisure guests with the best in effortless living across numerous hotels and F&B outlets internationally. A proud Hong Kong brand, Ovolo Group remains a family-owned and privately operated business operating two hotels and four restaurants in Hong Kong, and six hotels and five restaurants across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. Ovolo is also developing two new hotels in Melbourne, Australia (South Yarra and South Melbourne). Ovolo also has the By Ovolo Collective within its portfolio of hotels, a distinctive collection of four hotels each one unique, each one special, the more guests explore, the more they’ll find. These include Nishi Apartments in Canberra Australia, Mojo Nomad Aberdeen Harbour in Hong Kong, The Sheung Wan Hong Kong launching April 2020 and Mamaka Kuta Beach Bali Indonesia launching late 2020.
Zegrahm Expeditions Announces Cheetah Conservation Fund Partnership
The pioneering expedition company is the headline sponsor of the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s 2020 education tour
Zegrahm Expeditions, the pioneer in small-group expeditions around the world, is now the largest sponsor of the Cheetah Conservation Fund<> (CFF)’s 30th Anniversary education and lecture tour, contributing significantly to the CCF’s research, education and conservation efforts that help to secure the survival of the cheetah and its ecosystem.
Throughout 2020 both Zegrahm Expeditions and the CCF are celebrating 30 years of existence, having followed similar paths of intense appreciation for the natural world for the past three decades.
“We are in awe of the enduring and unending habitat and ecosystem conservation efforts of the CCF and are honoured to be involved in this way,” says Robin Brooks, Director of Partnerships for Zegrahm Expeditions. “We see a close tie between the Zegrahm and CCF communities of conscientious explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, activists and people who have always celebrated our world to its fullest degree.” CCF founder Dr. Laurie Marker, whose work has been covered by TIME, Smithsonian, National Geographic and more, is still at the helm today as the fund’s Executive Director, working passionately to continue her life’s work in cheetah conservation.
CCF Founder Dr. Laurie Marker
“Support from like-minded entities like Zegrahm Expeditions is what makes action to save the cheetah from extinction possible,” says Dr. Marker. “We do live in a world where people and organizations care deeply about preservation, conservation and appreciation of the natural world, and that continues to inspire me.”
Backed by 30 years of research, education and conservation work, CCF is the longest-running cheetah conservation program in existence. CCF’s programs serve as the model for predator conservation programs everywhere.
Dr. Marker’s work has been awarded and recognized around the world and CCF’s programs provide a holistic conservation approach that carefully balances the needs of both people and wildlife sharing the same
ecosystems.Expedition Highlights
During Zegrahm Expeditions’ small-group, land-based expedition Namibia Under Canvas departing April 19, 2020, guests will visit CCF’s research centre in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, which has earned the title “Cheetah Capital of the World.” The centre is a world class research, education and conservation facility set on a private wildlife reserve. During this itinerary guests will have many opportunities to search both by vehicle and on foot for the elusive cats, and other rare species that call Namibia home.
The Zegrahm Expeditions and CCF partnership began December 19, 2019.
For more information about Zegrahm Expeditions, please visit www.zegrahm.com or call 1-866-327-9140.
About Zegrahm Expeditions
Celebrating 30 years in expedition travel, Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc. is a leading adventure travel company specializing in small-ship expedition cruises, tours and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Led by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents. Zegrahm.com
Multi award-winning resort JA Manafaru Maldives has recently announced its exclusive operation as an All-Inclusive Resort, providing international guests with the best value for money on the island to date. Guests will now benefit from an all-inclusive meal plan which offers a culinary journey of 7 restaurants and bars, complimentary experiences and premium beverages from 11am-11pm, as they embrace island life on the magnificent lagoon-ringed Haa Alifu Atoll at the most northern tip of the Maldives.
General Manager, Karen Merrick commented ‘Once you set foot on this paradise island, all your worries fade away. We don’t want our guests to spend a moment trying to add up costs in their head, we want them to experience pure escapism and a deep, mindful connection with the stunning natural surrounds. This is the best value we’ve ever offered, so even more guests will now get the opportunity to experience JA Manafaru.’
Fringed with exquisite powder beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with exotic marine life, the chic hideaway features 84 luxurious beachfront and over-water villas and residences, each with their own private plunge pool. Seven scenic dining destinations provide a wealth of options with traditional Indian Ocean cuisine, international fare and seafood feasts all available on the All-Inclusive plan. The stunning signature restaurant – White Orchid, sits in the middle of the ocean treating guests to balmy breezes as they indulge in award-winning Asian fare. Guests can also enjoy in a wide range of exclusively premium beverages across multiple venues including Horizon Lounge with its ocean views, Andiamo Bistro and Pool with its lush green backdrop and Ocean Grill, awe inspiring beachfront dining under the stars.
Activities abound for both adults and children with an SSI certified dive centre for beginners and experienced divers, with a water sports centre offering flyboarding, jetskiing, water-skiing, mono-skiing, seabob, funtubing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, catamaran sailing and canoeing. There is also a Marine Awareness Centre to conserve local ecology, as well as beach volleyball, futsal pitch, tennis court, badminton court, pool table, fitness centre, games room with mahjong and cosy library. Travellers can participate in Maldivian cooking classes, dolphin watching, scenic boat cruises, local island tours, fishing trips, yoga sessions and play on the eco golf driving range. There’s also an award-winning Calm Spa & Sanctuary, offering Ayurveda, aromatherapy and wellness journeys for the soul. To keep all ages entertained, there are both Kids and Teens Clubs.
With a 5-star rating and TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2019, JA Manafaru is one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after destinations and a popular choice for couples and families- classified as a ‘Legend’ hotel by Preferred Hotels & Resorts – extraordinary properties in the world’s most remarkable destinations.
About JA Resorts & Hotels
A legacy UAE brand, JA Resorts & Hotels was born in 1981 and has a widely recognised reputation for excellence, in the management and operation of award-winning resorts and hotels. Taking its name from the original Jebel Ali (JA) Beach hotel, JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio now features 8 distinct properties across the UAE and Indian Ocean, each dedicated to curating unique experiences and creating unforgettable memories. Tropical escapes include JA Manafaru, the idyllic luxury island resort in pristine, lagoon ringed Haa Alifu Atoll, at the northern tip of the Maldives and JA Enchanted Island Resort, an ultra-luxurious hideaway of 10 exquisite villas on a private island, in the middle of the protected Saint Anne Marine Park. Within the UAE, guests can choose from the five-star JA Ocean View Hotel, as well as the deluxe hotel apartments of JA Oasis Beach Tower, both located along ‘The Walk’ in Jumeirah Beach Residence. Other attractive options include the acclaimed JA The Resort – Dubai’s largest experience resort, with 1 million square metres of thrilling activities and 3 unique hotels offering 795 suites and rooms between them– the award-winning JA Beach Hotel and Mediterranean style villa suites of JA Palm Tree Court and JA Lakeview Hotel, a stunning new Golf Course adjacent property opened in September 2019. The JA Hatta Fort Hotel completes the portfolio as Dubai’s only mountain resort, a secluded getaway amidst the stunning Hajar Mountains landscape. JA Resorts & Hotels is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together more than 30 brands with over 550 hotels in 78 countries. For more information please visit; www.jaresortshotels.com
Known as the “The Richest Rapper in South Carolina,” hip hop artist Blacc Zacc (South Coast Music Group/Interscope Records) is prepared to show the world exactly why that statement rings true. The Columbia, SC native has just announced the release of his debut album, Carolina Narco. The 11-track effort offers a seamless stream of hits, including the recently released title track, “Carolina Narco,” and its follow-up track, “Make A Sale.” With appearances from Moneybagg Yo, Yo Gotti, Stunna 4 Vegas and DaBaby, each song remains true to theme as the artists rap about hustling, money and the street life. Blacc Zacc showcases his lyrical agility and impressive technique as he works to provide each track with its own unique appeal; from the upbeat club sounds of “Coccy” ft. Stunna 4 Vegas to the more melodic “All Day.” The album features production by Young Kio, OG Parker, Romano and more. Listen to Carolina Narco HERE.
In addition to his album release, Blacc Zacc is blessing fans with the release of his video, “Make A Sale” with Moneybagg Yo. Directed by Gabe Hostetler, the video details the artist’s narcotics operation as detectives remain on his chase. The video serves as the perfect follow-up to Blacc Zacc’s “Carolina Narco” visual, which ended in him smoothly evading arrest. You can watch the video for “Make A Sale” HERE.
Blacc Zacc is one of Interscope Records newest signees, via South Coast Music Group; also home to Charlotte artist, DaBaby. Blacc Zacc has gained attention through several mixtapes, including, Trappin Like Zacc, which was released via Interscope Records in July 2019. He has positioned himself as an artist to watch through his music, stage performances and a slew of personable interviews. Blacc Zacc will be joining Moneybagg Yo on tour, which kicks off on March 13th at Limelight Nightclub in Indianapolis, IN.
Vevo announces Lil Baby as the next artist in their Ctrl series with a performance of “Emotionally Scarred” premiering today. Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. These artists demand attention, and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Shot in Vevo’s Brooklyn studio, Lil Baby’s performance follow sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more.
Charismatic, confident Atlanta-bred rapper Lil Baby quickly rose to fame after he launched his career in 2017. Following a series of mixtapes, his popularity exploded with the release of the 2018 full-length Harder Than Ever, which included the Drake-featuring hit “Yes Indeed.”
Lil Baby grew up in Atlanta hanging with friends like Young Thug, Coach K, and Pee, leaning more toward a life of petty crime and street hustling while his friends went on to thrive in the music industry. In 2015, at age 19, Lil Baby went to prison for two years for a probation violation. Upon his release in 2017, he jump-started his rap career with a mixtape called Perfect Timing, released in April of that year. The mixtape featured cameos from friends like Lil Yachty, Young Thug, and Gunna, and strong production from 808 Mafia, Brickz, and many others, highlighted by Lil Baby’s woozy flows. The mixtape immediately brought the young rapper fame, in part due to his affiliations with friends in the Quality Control family of artists as well as the 4 Pockets Full clique.
As his mixtape attracted more listeners, Lil Baby worked constantly on new music, releasing singles like “My Dawg” and the Young Thug collaboration “Pink Slip” in the summer of 2017. Other 2017 releases included Harder Than Hard, 2 the Hard Way (with Marlo), and Too Hard. Lil Baby’s debut studio album, Harder Than Ever, appeared in May of 2018. Featuring guest appearances from Drake, Offset, Lil Uzi Vert, and others, the release entered the Billboard 200 album chart at number three. The rapper’s success continued with Drip Harder, a collaborative mixtape with Gunna that was released the following October and reached number four on the Billboard 200. 2019 saw Lil Baby starring in the film How High 2 and releasing a handful of singles including the Future collaboration “Out the Mud.”
“Emotionally Scarred” is now streaming on all platforms. Keep up with exclusive content from artists all over the world on YouTube.com/Vevo.
ABOUT VEVO:
Vevo is the world’s largest all-premium music video provider, offering artists a global platform with enormous scale through its distribution partners. Vevo connects artists with their audience globally via music videos and original content, working directly with them to find unique ways to bring their music to life visually. Vevo also works with emerging artists, providing them with a platform of global scale and reach, to find and grow their audience. Reaching 26 billion monthly views globally, Vevo has over 450,000 music videos in its catalogue.
Capitol Records released Katy Perry’s new song, “Never Worn White.” She wrote the moving piano ballad with Johan Carlsson, John Ryan and Jacob Kasher Hindlin. It was produced by Carlsson. Download / stream “Never Worn White” HERE.
Parisian directing duo J.A.C.K. (Madonna, Christine and the Queens) helmed the official video, which can be viewed HERE.
About Katy Perry
Since Katy Perry’s Capitol Record debut in 2008 with One of the Boys, she has racked up a cumulative 35 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of over 45 million adjusted albums and 135 million tracks with her albums One of the Boys, Teenage Dream, PRISM and Witness, and her latest singles, Gold-certified “Never Really Over,” “Small Talk” and “Harleys In Hawaii.” Views of her 2013 video “Roar” recently surpassed three billion – making Katy the first female artist to reach this milestone. Katy was also the first female artist to have four videos surpass a billion views each. Her videos for “Firework” and “Last Friday Night” have over one billion views, while “Dark Horse” has surpassed the 2.7 billion mark. Katy’s 2015 Super Bowl performance is the highest-rated in the event’s history. She is one of only five artists in history to have topped 100 million certified units with their digital singles – and the first-ever Capitol Records recording artist to join the elite RIAA 100 Million Certified Songs club.
Aside from being one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, Katy is an active advocate of many philanthropic causes. In 2013, Katy was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador as a result of her commitment to improving the lives of children worldwide. From traveling to Vietnam and Madagascar to highlight the needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable children, to recording PSAs about the importance of empowering girls and supporting adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, as well as raising awareness for UNICEF’s emergency relief efforts, Katy has used her powerful voice to advocate for children and support UNICEF’s mission to ensure every child’s right to health, education, equality, and protection. She was awarded with the Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award in 2016.
Green up Your Tahoe-Reno Trip with A Scenic Train and Some Local Color
If you are planning a Tahoe-Reno this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and take a bit of stress out of your trip with an added stop en route, or even a chance to get out of the car and see one of America’s most scenic train routes.
Colfax, a historic town along Highway 80, about an hour east of Sacramento, is a great place to get off the highway, board a train or sleepover to enjoy the places in between.
Leave Early and Stay-over En Route
Heres a tip: consider a Friday departure and layover an hour or so from a favorite destination. Wake up fresh and rested, with daylight to help guide you to your destination safely.
Colfax and Dutch Flat offer some interesting choices for enjoy some Sierra local color and hitting the road well-rested for an early start or even, trying a holiday without the car-board Amtrak mid-day for Reno or Truckee and use ski shuttles or public transportation. The message here is simple: maximize outdoor time, minimize traffic hassle.
Colfax, named for 1800’s politician, Schuyler Colfax, is right next to Highway 80 with a motor lodge, bed and breakfast, Air BNB farmhouse and a Best Western Hotel beginning construction. It’s not hard to envision getting an early start from this quiet foothill town and enjoying a more relaxed pace.
Just a few miles up the Interstate from Colfax, Dutch Flat also offers a historic family/friendly hotel with multiple bed suites and discounts for return visits and groups. From the one-block long Dutch Flat town center, find your way to the Monte Vista Inn, a mile or so up the road…this is where the locals go for homemade food in an authentic log cabin. (Trivia: Governor Newsom’s son Dutch is named for Dutch Flat.)
Dump The Car!
One more suggestion: Take the train from Colfax and dump the car just as traffic congestion starts. Ever notice how wonderful Tahoe is EXCEPT for the traffic?
Take the time to see the Sierra from a totally different vantage point in the mountains on a train. With daily mid-day departures, this is the slow way to get there, but provides not only a glimpse into spectacular beauty, but history. This was one of the most challenging sections of the Transcontinental Railroad construction and still inspires awe.
With stops in Truckee and Reno, there are plenty of on the ground transportation options. In particular, Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) in Truckee has frequent buses from Truckee to favored resorts and restaurants, like Northstar, Squaw and Tahoe City. Ride TART for free as part of a two-year trial public transportation program. As bonus, TART even offers night service from Tahoe City to Truckee until 1:30 am-well after the taverns close down.
While very scenic, train schedules are subject to delays. Plan accordingly. Colfax has free overnight parking and puts a traveler on the train just as the climb through the mountains begins. This trip has a reputation for providing seasonal beauty from snow, to wildflowers to grand summer and fall vistas.
The Dutch Flat Hotel is one of many options for extending your trip with a stay-over en route to Tahoe or Reno in the Colfax area. Photo courtesy of Dutch Flat Hotel, Alex Ladner.
Jenna Morello is a multi-disciplinary artist from Brooklyn. At home, she creates large-scale bold, expressive walls as well as meticulously crafted sculptures. She mixes and matches multiple mediums to create nature-based, sometimes anatomical art which speaks for itself. Her work is internationally sold; and her murals can be seen around the world. She has completed projects for The Ritz-Carlton, the World Trade Center, Universal Music Group, Macy’s and the Super Bowl. As of late, she’s been featured in both The New York Times and Forbes.
FOOD FOR SOUL FOUNDED BY CHEF MASSIMO BOTTURA AND LARA GILMORE, AND PALACE RESORT’S FUNDACIÓN PALACE ANNOUNCE THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF REFETTORIO MÉRIDA
An inclusive place of beauty dedicated to the most vulnerable, to celebrate Mexican culture and community spirit
Food for Soul, the nonprofit organization founded by Chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore to fight food waste while strengthening social inclusion and community resilience has partnered with Fundación Palace, Palace Resorts’ philanthropic institution, whose main objective is to help contribute and give back to the communities in which it operates. The two organizations will open the first North American Refettorio on March 25, 2020, in the city center of Mérida, Mexico.
Being Food for Soul’s ideal partner for the first Refettorio in North America, Fundación Palace is committed to changing the narrative for local communities to promote social progress and equitable food distribution. Refettorio Mérida offers a daily lunchtime food service to vulnerable members of the local community by transforming surplus ingredients into delicious meals. Designed to be much more than a community kitchen, Refettorio Mérida will be a beautiful, colorful gathering space for the whole community. Located inside “Casa Santa Luisa,” this is a historic, colonial house that belonged to the Yucatecan philanthropist Pedro Canales, who was an advocate for social conscience and who decided to gift it to the Voluntarias Vicentinas de Yucatán AC.
The aim of Refettorio Mérida is to be a gift to the city, providing a unique sense of community that respects the many social layers of Mérida. The city has always been a melting pot of cultures and nationalities and even today has a very strong, well-established cultural identity with influences from all over the world. This diversity will be reflected and celebrated within the walls of the Refettorio, which will become a place for people to express their culture and identity. To celebrate Mexican culture and the equal right of all to beauty, Refettorio Mérida will display artworks by artist Bosco Sodi and others selected by gallerist Jose Garcia Torres. Sodi is a Mexican contemporary artist known for his richly textured, vividly colored large-scale paintings, and his recognition has expanded throughout the international market for his philanthropic efforts. Additionally, Torres is the director of a contemporary art gallery, Merida-based Jose Garcia Gallery, which promotes leading Mexican and international artists.
Conceived by Chef Massimo Bottura in 2015, Food for Soul’s Refettorios are places where gestures of hospitality and dignity are offered to all through nutritious and beautiful meals made with surplus food. Beginning in late March, recognized Mexican and international chefs will be invited to join the movement. From Monday to Friday, a team of local volunteers will serve a delectable three-course lunch to guests in different situations of social vulnerability, including the homeless and isolated members of the community.
The Refettorio model is the expression of Food for Soul’s Guiding Principles: the quality of ideas, the power of beauty, and the value of hospitality. With projects already opened in Milan, Rio de Janeiro, Modena, Bologna, London, Paris, Naples and soon Mérida, Food for Soul continues to work toward its mission in partnership with organizations all over the world.
“Our dream to open a Refettorio in Mérida is about to become real, and we can’t wait to start this new adventure with an excellent partner as Fundación Palace, paying homage to Yucatecan culture and flavors. This is an opportunity to build a world where food is not wasted and people are treated with dignity”, said Massimo Bottura, internationally renowned chef and founder of Food for Soul.
“Palace Resorts is an organization that has placed philanthropy and giving back to our communities at the helm of our business. Fundacion Palace is proud to partner with Food For Soul on a project that is near to both of our hearts. Being able to open up Refettorio Merida is a testament to our company’s commitment to positively impact those that need it the most. Merida is special to us because it is the city in which we planted our roots. It is overwhelmingly gratifying to us, and it is our hope to provide nourishing and beautiful meals created with love using excess food, along with the opportunity for a better tomorrow,” said Jabib Chapur, Vice President of Operations, Palace Resorts.
Following the opening, Refettorio Mérida will continue to operate with the support of Food for Soul and Fundación Palace, offering a space where meals are shared and also providing workshops and events throughout the year to inspire and engage the whole community.
FUNDACION PALACE: Fundación Palace Resorts IAP, is a nonprofit institution created in 2004 by Palace Resorts. The philanthropic institution was created with the primary objective to help contribute and give back to the communities in which it operates with one goal in mind: the pleasure of helping others. Since its establishment in 2004, the Palace Foundation has been fully committed to its mission of promoting the actions of its five committees. So far in 2020, the organization has awarded 120 scholarships to seven generations of university alumni through the Education Committee, fulfilled more than 2,000 dreams for terminally ill children through the Dreams Committee, and has provided healthcare to 1,100 people through different types of therapies for the Socialm Wellness Committee. Thanks to their partnerships with multiple health organizations, both public and private, the Health Committee has been able to provide more than 700 locals with medical care. The Environmental Committee has assisted with the protection of 3,120 turtle nests, 356,361 turtle eggs, and 308,336 sea turtle hatchling releases.
Additionally, in 2016, the foundation launched the “Casa Hogar,” an orphanage for local Mexican children, which provides housing and care for nearly 43 local children. Casa Hogar also features classrooms, a counseling center, a medical office, and a special needs area. The facility also features a chapel, playroom and computer center, swimming pool, multiple green areas, and a covered basketball court. Casa Hogar’s primary objective is to provide at-risk children in need the opportunity to have shelter, formal education, and healthcare.
FOOD FOR SOUL: Food for Soul is a non-profit organization founded by chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore to empower local communities to fight against food waste through social inclusion. Food for Soul builds culture as a way of strengthening community resilience, opening opportunities for social mobility and advocating for healthy and equitable food ecosystems. The organization began with the Refettorio Ambrosiano in Milan during Expo2015 with subsequent projects launched in Rio de Janeiro (Refettorio Gastromotiva), London (Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert’s), Paris (Refettorio Paris Au Foyer de la Madeleine), Mérida (Refettorio Mérida) as well as Social Tables in Modena (Social Tables Ghirlandina) Bologna (Social Tables Antoniano) and Napoli (Social Tables Made in Cloister).
