Bellingham couple generously pays it forward to help coronavirus-impacted hotel staff
In this coronavirus-induced time of social distancing, self-isolation and staying at home, it’s easy to find yourself or your family feeling as if you’re alone on a deserted island — easily blinded to the struggles of those outside our homes.
But one Bellingham couple hopes its generous act to assist some of those who find themselves in a difficult situation helps inspire other good deeds of paying it forward and helps the community get through the coronavirus challenges.
The Hotel Bellwether announced that it will receive at total of $42,000 in two contributions from a Bellingham couple to help hotel staff navigate a time when their industry has been virtually shut down and employee’s hours cut to near nothing for the next few months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are privileged to be a part of a community that values the service industry, in helping recognize these hard-working individuals,” Hotel Bellwether General Manager Jim Haupt said in a hotel release about the gift. “This incredibly generous contribution will mean so much to them and their families.”
The Hotel Bellwether and the Lighthouse Bar & Grill will be temporarily closed until the state government’s restrictions in response to the pandemic are lifted, according to the release. The hotel has approximately 60 full-time employees, according to executive assistant Jaclyn Keller.
The donors wished to remain anonymous, other than to say they are members of the Bellingham community and frequent guests at the Hotel Bellwether who wanted to help the hotel’s full-time employees through the shortfalls of their upcoming pay periods, according to the release.
Nationwide, the American Hotel & Lodging Association estimated in a March 20 release that 44% of all hotel employees have already lost or will lose their jobs in the coming weeks, as hotel occupancy rates dropped below 20% and many establishments have had to close their doors temporarily.
In Washington state, the association reported there were 42,104 direct hotel operations jobs, 18,168 of which are expected to be lost due to coronavirus. The association also reported there are 190,566 hotel-supported jobs in the state, 77,772 of which are expected to be lost during the pandemic.
The Hotel Bellwether reported in its release that it has been approved by the Washington State Unemployment Department’s SharedWork program, which offers employees benefits during their temporary unemployment.
But employees and their families still face challenges with reduced income, the release stated, and that is what the couple hoped to help relieve with their generous gift.
The couple also hoped it also would spur others in the community to lend assistance to others impacted by the pandemic, according to the release.
“We hope this gesture of generosity will spread throughout the community to other hotels, restaurants and bars in helping them find ways to assist their employees during this time of uncertainty,” the couple said in the release.
The Hotel Bellwether reported in the release that it is prepared to open as soon as travel restrictions and social distancing requirements are lifted. It is tentatively scheduled to reopen April 29 and currently is accepting reservations for future stays.
The hotel also said it will arrange services at discounted fees for special groups assisting with COVID-19 crisis management in the area and invited those groups to call 360-392-3100 for assistance.
