Because We Care
With 19 brands and approximately 4,300† hotels in over 100† countries and territories worldwide, BWH℠ Hotels welcomes countless guests every day. It's our spirit of caring that drives us to support numerous charitable efforts around the world. Through the unique charitable partnerships of Best Western for A Better World® and its Better World Fund, we assist families and children-in-need by providing them with the essential resources many of us take for granted.
Better World Fund
The Better World Fund provides a resource that supports BWH Hotels’ Charitable initiatives and funds programs which align with our 3 pillars. Through your support, the Better World Fund can be a first responder where help is most needed.
The Better World Fund is administered by an advisory committee and the Best Western Hotels & Resorts Board of Directors. Together, they ensure the proper distribution of resources to initiatives most in need of funding.
How We Help
Poverty can deprive people of necessities like access to safe water, sanitation, and good hygiene. We draw from our experience in the field of hospitality and partner with networks like Clean the World® to help provide communities with the vital tools they need to thrive. Through their Wash and Wellness program we are making a difference by delivering support services, including hygiene kits and education, mobile showers, vaccinations, and food assistance.
BWH Hotels are devoted members in their local communities. We feel a deep commitment to assist our neighbors whose lives are affected by disaster.
BWH Hotels partners with the American Red Cross®, as well as Red Cross® of Canada, to be a first responder in public emergencies. Through the generous support of our employees, hoteliers, and Best Western Rewards® members, Best Western for A Better World® provides vital resources to assist with disaster relief efforts for tragic events such as hurricanes, wildfires and floods across the globe.
BWH Hotels is also committed to helping communities rebuild from devastating disasters and to protect our environment for generations to come. Through our partnership with One Tree Planted, we plant trees throughout the world. Trees clean our air and water, create habitat for biodiversity, contribute to our health and well-being, and create jobs for social impact.
BWH Hotels believes in the power of education to change lives and improve circumstances. By helping to fund higher education through scholarships, BWH Hotels aims to empower people and provide for the future of the hospitality industry.
As a demonstration of our commitment to education, we have established the David and Louise Kong Legacy Scholarship to provide scholarships to students who exemplify our values of community service and high marks in academics.
Student Profiles
BWH Hotels has supported numerous students through the years to help build the next generation of hospitality leaders and to help make their dream of higher education a reality. Here are spotlights of our 2023 scholarship recipients.
Brogan Braaten – Scholarship Recipient
“It is a great honor to receive the David and Louise Kong Legacy Scholarship from Best Western. In the fall of 2023, I will attend Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California where I will study and swim competitively for the school. Currently, I am a high school senior enrolled in a full-time running start program with the goal of majoring in Psychology. My dream is to become a child psychologist or counselor. As a result of my own counselor's support during pivotal times in my life, I have a passion to help kids and give back to the community in the same way. After completing my undergraduate degree, I intend to pursue a master's degree and counseling certification. By receiving this scholarship, I can focus on my studies as well as my swimming goals without having to take out additional student loans or balance a job. Thank you.”
Cesare Rednour-Bruckman – Scholarship Recipient
“I am always joining in with our community, helping others and thinking of myself as a strong leader. This time in my life, I needed financial support for my academic career, and I am so grateful for receiving the David and Louise Kong Legacy Scholarship. It will really make a difference in my first year of college. Thank you.”
Holly Kleven – Scholarship Recipient
“I am writing to express my gratitude for receiving the David and Louise Kong Legacy Scholarship, as I know that it will greatly assist in my academic career. I feel honored to be chosen among so many others and to get this opportunity to follow my academic pursuits without as much financial strain. This scholarship is going to allow me to follow my dreams and make greater strides toward my goals. I plan to work hard throughout my time at school to put this scholarship to the best use.”
Kira McMahon – Scholarship Recipient
“Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship; I am incredibly honored to have been chosen as I enter my final year at Northern Arizona University, where I am currently double majoring in Spanish and Hotel and Restaurant Management with a certificate in Event Planning and a minor in Business Management! Your generosity has genuinely impacted my educational journey since this scholarship will allow me to fully immerse myself in my studies and help me reach my academic goals while finding my next step after graduation - hopefully a master's program! I am grateful that this scholarship will shape my future career aspirations, allowing me to excel in my chosen field as I embark on the next chapter of my life! Your belief in my potential has encouraged my determination to succeed and positively impact the hospitality field. I promise to make the most of the resources and opportunities provided by this scholarship while upholding your organization's values. I appreciate your belief in my academic endeavors!”
Kylie Hawes – Scholarship Recipient
“I would like to express my sincere thanks for being chosen to receive this scholarship. This scholarship will provide me with an opportunity to continue my education and reach my goal of obtaining my master's degree in nursing and ultimately become a nurse practitioner. My goal is to help care for members of my community and help them to meet their primary care needs and act as a mentor to future nurses by becoming an adjunct faculty at a local college. Helping others achieve their nursing career goals and aiding members of the community in obtaining optimal health are two things that I am very passionate about. This scholarship opportunity will help me to reach these goals. Thank you.”
Panagiotis Levendis – Scholarship Recipient
“I would like to say thank you for this academic scholarship. I truly appreciate this opportunity. Your support means a lot, as it has made a real difference for me. Thank you!”
Taylor Porter – Scholarship Recipient
“Thank you Best Western for awarding me the David and Louise Kong Legacy Scholarship. I am so grateful for this award. With it, I can continue my education in nursing and will be able to help others for the rest of my life. This scholarship will be put towards my school fees, textbooks, and transportation to clinical sites for my program. I have worked so hard to get into the Nursing program here at NAU. The David and Louise King Legacy Scholarship will allow me to continue my pursuit of higher education and better prepare me for my career in healthcare.”
Weston Robert Anderson – Scholarship Recipient
“I would like to thank you for financing my future. I cannot fully express the gratitude I have. The funds will go directly towards my tuition and other school expenses so that I can further my career goals and get a bachelor's degree. I’m currently planning on majoring in Business Administration, and I could potentially become a commercial airline pilot by joining a flight academy while or after I complete college. These dreams of mine wouldn’t be possible without your generous donation. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Donate Today
Donations are processed by the
Arizona Community Foundation
Best Western Rewards members can donate
Rewards points.
Donations of all sizes are appreciated, and you may even contribute by making a one-time or recurring donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donors will receive an e-receipt for donations.