LOS ANGELES — The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation raised more than $1 million at its annual Night of a Thousand Stars fundraising gala on January 27, bringing more than 400 industry leaders to the Beverly Hilton. Proceeds of the gala will support workforce-development initiatives for hotel-industry employees.
The event took on special significance this year as the industry demonstrated its commitment to the recovery and resilience of Los Angeles in the wake of recent wildfires with donations to the Red Cross and LA Fire Department Foundation. The AHLA and the AHLA Foundation pledged $10,000 to support disaster relief efforts and will match up to $25,000 donated by AHLA members.
Each year, Night of a Thousand Stars recognizes outstanding achievements across the industry with five prestigious awards to recognize hospitality professionals under 30 years old; hospitality student excellence; women creating paths for other women in the industry to succeed; and the lodging employee of the year.
“Night of a Thousand Stars is a shining tribute to the exceptional talent that drives hospitality forward, while fuelling a stronger future for our industry,” said Anna Blue, president of the AHLA Foundation. “Through the Foundation’s development programs, we are not just opening doors but creating pathways for individuals to build meaningful, life-changing careers in this extraordinary industry.”
“One of the things I’ve always loved about this industry is the way it loves its people. Night of a Thousand Stars is an opportunity for our industry to celebrate the incredible people who make hospitality all it is,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the AHLA.
AHLA’s 2025 Stars of the Industry winners:
North Star: Lodging Employee of the Year Award
- Melvin De La Cruz, assistant to director of HR, The Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton
AHLA Foundation ForWard: Paving the Way Award
- Whitney Bergmann, general manager, Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award
- Nicole Harker, Front Office manager, Amara Resort & Spa
AHLA Foundation Scholar of the Year Award
- Devin Grady, student, Anne Arundel Community College and accountant, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Centre
