Loudoun Destination Foundation

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Loudoun Destination Foundation is to support and broaden the health and prosperity of the hospitality and tourism industry in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Overview:
Visit Loudoun created the Loudoun Destination Foundation in March 2008 as a 501(c)3 charitable affiliate in order to coordinate educational programs, provide scholarships, conduct market research, and assist in bringing employment opportunities to the tourism and hospitality industry of Loudoun.

Prior to establishing the Loudoun Destination Foundation, Visit Loudoun worked through the Northern Virginia Community Foundation to establish a scholarship fund in order to offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors residing in Loudoun County. Auction fundraisers were held in 2007 and 2008, enabling Visit Loudoun to award $34,000 in scholarship funds to 12 students for continuing education in the fields of tourism and hospitality studies.

The scholarship fund is now supported by the Loudoun Destination Foundation.The Loudoun Destination Foundation held its first fundraiser in 2009 and raised $30,000. The Foundation Board of Directors plans to expand programming to include scholarship opportunities for individuals already working in the tourism and hospitality fields, to support educational programs, and pursue market research opportunities.

Board Members:
Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Circuit Court
Bruce Gemmill, John Marshall Bank
Leland Mahan, Attorney at Law
Mike Otto, John Marshall Bank
Robert Swiger, Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
Carol Welti, Washington Airports Task Force
Patrick Kaler, Visit Loudoun

Contact Greg Harp at 703-669-2008 or Harp@VisitLoudoun.org for more information.