Charitable Endeavors

Les Clefs d’Or Foundation
Of the Americas

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, volunteer, nonprofit organization founded in 1990 to respond to the suffering of concierges and/or their significant others, affected by catastrophic or life-threatening illnesses.  While it began as a USA entity, the Foundation today is a Pan-American effort combining and benefiting the UICH sections of the United States, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.

Les Clefs d’Or Foundation provides financial support and in-kind donations of goods and services to persons who are no longer able to work due to life-threatening illnesses. Those who will benefit include hotel concierges, former concierges in the USA, Argentina,  Canada, Mexico, or Brazil; and significant others of one of the above concierges.  Membership in Les Clefs d’Or is not required to receive support from the Foundation. Currently, the Foundation awards grants on a case-by-case basis to eligible candidates.

In response to the catastrophic hurricane season of 2005 and understanding that Concierges may suffer significant financial losses through no fault of their own, Les Clefs d’Or Relief Fund was created.  Recognizing significant need, LCD members generously donated thousands of dollars to support the Fund’s efforts.  Dozens of affected concierges benefited from Relief Fund grants. 

The Foundation and Relief Fund appreciates the continued generosity of its donors, without whom, the expanded mission would not be able to continue.

Fundraisers Extraordinaire

At each of its national meetings, fundraising efforts are undertaken to help offset the cost of the Congresses.  Often, proceeds are donated to various charitable associations.  For example, the 2011 Congress raised $2,000 for Key for Hope, a Massachusetts based charity to help end hunger and homelessness in the Bay State.

Les Clefs d’Or, USA has established a scholarship fund at The International School of Hospitality in Las Vegas Nevada.  It pays $3,000 annually to hospitality students enrolled in TISOH.

Les Clefs d’Or, USA also supports a young concierge member annually, by providing complimentary registration and transportation to the UICH international congress. This scholarship was named after Andy Pongco, a UICH leader from the Philippines.  

In 1998, to celebrate its 20^th Anniversary as a member of UICH, a fundraiser was held in 12 cities throughout the nation to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, a mission that builds single-family housing for the needy.  Working in conjunction with American Express and Oprah’s Angel Network, Les Clefs d’Or USA was able to build two homes for the Habitat organization.  In addition to the dollars donated, Les Clefs d’Or members in Chicago and Northern California also donated their time.  Adorned in tool belts and work boots, they traveled to the actual building sites to lend assistance.

For more information contact:

Olga Pierce
C/O Concierge Unlimited International
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1730
Chicago, IL 60606
PH: 312-220-0500
FX: 312-220-0525
ospierce@conciergeunlimited.com