Ruby’s Inn Dollar Check-Off program shows how a dollar makes a difference
$800,000 donation to Bryce Canyon National History Association supports park programs
By Soni Brinsko
For 14 years, as funding cutbacks were implemented for national parks, Ruby’s Inn found a way to raise and donate over $800,000 to Bryce Canyon National Park. Through the hotel’s Dollar Check-Off program, guests of Ruby’s Inn have an opportunity to donate a dollar for every night of their stay. The donations help to pay for improvements and projects in the park showing the multiplier effect of $1.
“A dollar may not seem like much to many, but it can be impactful,” said Lance Syrett, general manager of Ruby’s Inn. “Our guests’ have generously kept the Dollar Check-Off program going over the years. We are grateful to them. The Dollar Check-Off program would not be possible were it not for the guests and the common desire among visitors to share the natural splendor of Bryce Canyon with future generations.”
On average, 98 percent of guests who stay at Ruby’s Inn’s three hotels participate in the Dollar Check-Off program. The gross proceeds of the Dollar Check-Off program are given directly to the Bryce Canyon National History Association, the official nonprofit for the park. Ruby’s Inn covers the administrative cost associated with establishing and managing the Dollar Check-Off program.
With the funds received this year and future funding, Bryce Canyon National History Association plans to develop a self-sustaining legacy fund, pending approval from the Nation Park Service.
“National parks are drivers of income, health, and recreation for many gateway communities like ours,” Syrett said. “Visitors from near and far come to Bryce Canyon for its uniqueness. The Dollar Check-Off program ensures that we help take care of the visitors and the park.”
The program has supplemented the NPS budgetary constraints to Bryce Canyon National Park. Nationwide budget cutbacks impacted the visitor experience due to maintenance and repair slowdowns. One of the first projects supported by the fund in 2004 was repairing the iconic Navajo Trail Loop.
Visitors to Bryce Canyon can access free park publications and a comfort station thanks to Dollar Check-Off donations. Money from the program was used to purchase search-and-rescue equipment. Pledges to the fund created community activities such as free field trips for local schools. Every year, money is allocated to paleontology and wildlife research.
Syrett said that Ruby’s Inn and his family will continue the ongoing commitment to Bryce Canyon National History Association and Bryce Canyon National Park, even if federal budget increases take effect.
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