HYATT REGENCY BONAVENTURE AND HANDS ON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TEAM UP FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
First student graduates from new hospitality training program

WESTON, Fla. – Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center and Spa and Hands On Educational Services hosted a graduation ceremony on February 19, for Fort Lauderdale resident Samantha Fishkin, the first graduate from its newly-launched Hospitality Training Program for Persons with Disabilities.

Fishkin was the first student to complete the nationally-renowned training program, which allows persons with special needs to work as temporary Hyatt Regency Bonaventure employees in several departments, including catering, housekeeping and human resources. During the two-week curriculum, Samantha worked alongside Executive Chef Bob Axenfeld and his skilled team in the kitchen, to learn everything from food preparation to garnishing. Fishkin, who suffered traumatic brain injury as a result of a terrible car accident in 1998, will now become a regular part-time Hyatt employee and realize her dream of becoming a part of the city's booming culinary industry.

"At Hyatt, we are committed to helping our local community and see a unique opportunity to offer persons with disabilities real world experience in the fields they are passionate about," said Chef Bob. "Samantha has been an inspiration to our team and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Hyatt family."

The Hospitality Training Program for Persons with Disabilities gives students the opportunity to learn from the industry's leading professionals and acquire valuable real world experience. Furthermore, Hands On counselors offer career workshops to assist trainees in resume-writing and interviewing. Hyatt Regency Bonaventure and Hands On hope to continue expanding the program, which is new to the area, and encouraging students with special needs to become a part of the active workforce and contribute to South Florida's growing hospitality industry. 

"Hands On is honored to partner with Hyatt Regency Bonaventure on the new Hospitality Training Program," added John Ficca, program director at Hands On Educational Services. "The skills and mentoring received from seasoned industry professionals gives our students the opportunity to realize their aspirations and become a part of the active workforce."

About Hyatt Regency Bonaventure
Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa recently completed a $100 million renovation and became a Certified Green Lodging Hotel in April 2008. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel offers 501 luxurious rooms and a conference center covering more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space. With the AAA-rated Four Diamond Ireland's Steakhouse and two casual dining outlets, a world-class spa, four swimming pools, a nature trail and access to first-rate tennis and golf facilities, the hotel caters to all business and leisure needs.
Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa is located at 250 Racquet Club Road, Weston, Florida, 33326. For more information, please visit www.bonaventure.hyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company's subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz™, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of December 31, 2009, the company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 424 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

#          #          #

Media Contacts:
Holly Lee-Zawyer / Florencia Contesse
Cheryl Andrews Marketing
P: 305-444-4033
holly@cam-pr.com / florencia@cam-pr.com