BRYCE CANYON CITY – In the wake of the federal government’s sequester, mandatory budget cuts and the looming debt ceiling battle, national parks are struggling to balance budgets while maintaining extraordinary visitor experiences. The historic Ruby’s Inn has stepped up to help Bryce Canyon National Park do just that.
In the spring of 2003, Ruby’s Inn began the $1 donation “Dollar Check-Off” program in cooperation with the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association, the park’s nonprofit education and research partner. When an inn guest makes a booking, they are notified of the donation option and given the choice to opt in or out. If they accept, a $1 donation is charged each night of their stay and added to their final bill. The funds are collected and donated to the Association each month.
As of December 2012, Ruby’s Inn has given approximately $327,000 to the Association, with donation levels hovering between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. Funds are used to support special educational events, research and related activities that enhance visitors’ enjoyment of the park. The program has expanded since its inception, now including the Bryce View Lodge and the new Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Ruby’s Inn is currently in discussions to offer the donation option for bookings made with tour and online travel companies, which could possibly double the donation amount each year.
“I applaud Ruby’s Inn and the Syrett family for visibly demonstrating their continuing commitment to the mission of Bryce Canyon National Park with the implementation of this program,” said Gayle L. Pollock, executive director of the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association. “Donated monies have made an extraordinary difference in our ability to deliver interpretive and educational programs that are both engaging and inspirational to those who visit Bryce Canyon.”
The ownership, management and employees of Ruby’s Inn are proud of the success of the program and look forward to a continued partnership with the Association to benefit all future park visitors. More about the program can be found on the Ruby’s Inn website.
Submitted by: Ruby’s Inn
Email: [email protected]
A creative option to raise funds, purely voluntary.
I notice that Ruby’s Inn is contributing nothing out of their own pocket. They are asking the tourists to donate to help the park. And of course, if it is good for the park, it is good for Ruby’s Inn. There would not be a Ruby’s Inn if the park wasn’t there.
I’m not throwing stones at Ruby’s Inn for this. But to try to make the headlines out to be that Ruby’s Inn is the benefactor, is false.