DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore was awarded a $5,000 Travel with a Purpose Action Grant for its proposed joint initiative with Asheville Greenworks to expand the community orchard at Deaverview Apartments.
The hotel received one of 16 grants issued in the Americas at the $5,000 level, the highest amount awarded. Employees at the DoubleTree Biltmore will be participating in the completion of the one-day project, on Wednesday, Nov. 16, allowing them the opportunity to connect with the Deaverview community.
The grant received for the project will be used to purchase and plant 12 fruit producing trees in the Deaverview Apartments community orchard and to hire a treekeeper from its neighborhood to maintain the plantings. The goal of the expanded orchard is to continue to provide environmental and educational benefits, accessible fresh food, land beautification, and provide community empowerment to a neighboring development.
“It is an honor to receive a 2016 Travel with a Purpose Action Grant and we thrilled to partner with Asheville Greenworks for our service project,” stated Robert Foster, Director of Hotel Operations for Biltmore Farms and General Manager of the DoubleTree Biltmore. “Our team members are excited to take on this endeavor that will have a lasting impact on the Deaverview community and environment for years to come.”
Hilton Worldwide received 502 unique applications from its properties around the world and awarded 117 grants, totaling over $302,000 that will impact communities globally. The winning projects engaged their teams and aligned with Hilton Worldwide’s three Travel with a Purpose pillars: Creating Opportunities, Strengthening Communities and Preserving the Environment.
Asheville Greenworks at Deaverview Apartment Community Orchard.)