Four Seasons Washington DC hosts annual 5K for cancer research

The Four Seasons, Washington, D.C. is hosting a 5K run/walk along the Potomac River to raise money for cancer research.

Planned for Sept. 20, this will be the 34^th annual Sprint Four the Cure, with proceeds going to the Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Keeping a tradition of charity work can help a hotel brand to connect to the local community.

Outdoor outreach
For the event, the Four Seasons property will provide a hot breakfast as well as massages from its spa therapists.

Spa at Four Seasons, Washington, D.C.

In addition to the main event, there is a 100-yard dash for children, vendors, prizes and a raffle, which registrants are automatically entered in. The first-place runners in eight different age groups will receive a prize.

This year’s event will be held in memory of Andrea Kauffman, a Four Seasons employee who lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Some of Ms. Kauffman’s family members and friends will be in attendance.

Children competing at Sprint Four the Cure 2013

Last year’s event raised more than $49,000.

Other hotels are helping their neighbors with outreach.

For instance, The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, is inviting guests to participate in its “Do Good, Feel Good” package this fall to give back to the communities surrounding the hotel.

The package acquaints guests with the DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen that helps feed low-income and at-risk neighborhoods of Washington. Luxury hotels have been responding to the growing interest in philanthropy travel with packages that include charity aspects (see story).