Pulse October 2016 | Page 46

graduated from West Georgia Technical College and received her esthetic license. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 18. She received her cancer treatment at CTCA. Today, she volunteers at the salon inside the center using Dr. Spiller products. Her dream is to work with cancer patients and their families offering them a skin-care alternative safe to use during chemotherapy because she knows from experience their skin-related struggles while on treatment. How do you determine which cause heart. I have personally been affected by what cancer does to loved ones and the human spirit in general. I’m fortunate that I’m involved with many caring individuals. I believe we attract the same spirited people when we live true to our heart. or charity to support? Most people chose charities close to their Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Social Causes: Youth Empowerment through Sports, Nutrition, Cancer Research and Environmental Protection Nonprofit Organizations: Cycle Effect, Shaw Regional Cancer Center and Salvation Army Learn More: thecycleeffect.org, shawcancercenter.com and salvationarmyusa.org Which social cause does your company passionately support? We support many social causes. For example, two of our personal trainers at the Athletic Club at The Westin started the Cycle Effect, a local nonprofit organization that provides GAYE STEINKE • General Manager • Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa • Avon, Colorado brighter futures to disadvantaged local young women through mountain biking. Another is Maya at The Westin Riverfront’s “You Dine, We Donate” initiative, which has raised more than US$13,600 for 12 Vail Valley nonprofit organizations last year. In addition, Spa Anjali hosts a special GO Pink event for the Shaw Regional Cancer Center every October. The spa offers special discounted services with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the cancer center. As part of our “Do It Daily” yoga program this fall, a dollar will be donated throughout the month of October for every participant in each class. Why is it important for your spa/company to have a giving back initiative? Environmental stewardship is one of our biggest priorities as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified resort, and we engage our guests, employees and communities to promote the use of responsible products and sustainable practices. Since the resort opened in 2008, a team of Westin Riverfront employees has participated in the annual Eagle River Clean-Up Day. The Westin Riverfront also recently adopted a portion of Vail’s North Trail as part of the Adopt-a-Trail program recently launched by the U.S. Forest Service and the Vail Valley Mountain Bike Association. Last year, employees at The Westin Riverfront built an on-site employee garden called the Mountains of Wellness Garden to help promote healthy food choices. We have designated bi-weekly Employee Volunteer Days and weekly Harvest Days where employees can come pick fresh produce and herbs to take home. Which marketing drives helped encourage guests to take