PRESS RELEASES

Two Deserving Members of Midwest Boys & Girls Clubs Receive Complimentary Vacation to Eaglewood Resort & Spa As Part Of Benchmark’s Hometown Hospitality Initiative™

Chicagoland 4-Diamond Resort to Host Outstanding Youths and Their Families

ITASCA, Ill. (March 3, 2010) - Eaglewood Resort & Sp recently announced the winners of its Family Road Trip vacation giveaway, a Benchmark Hospitality Hometown Hospitality™ initiative providing complimentary vacations to two deserving families through Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Benchmark operates Eaglewood Resort & Spa, which is participating in the family vacations program for the Midwest region.

Members of local Boys & Girls Clubs were encouraged to write a letter stating why their family deserved an expense paid vacation for five days at Eaglewood Resort & Spa. The Resort received many applications and the property’s Executive Committee along with the Benchmark home office narrowed the entries down to two winners.

Indeed, the competition was tough, but the Eaglewood winners were: Jessica Franco from Green Bay, Wis. and Martin Orozco from Lake Station, Ind., for their outstanding essays on why their families deserved a “vacation rich with stories that will last a life time.” Specifically, Benchmark was seeking vacation-ready families who thought a family trip was not possible this year.

Their trip can be planned at any time and includes 5 days at the resort, deluxe accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner all five days for the entire family, a $100 gas card, use of all recreational amenities at the resort and access to local attractions.

Charles Reece, general manager for Eaglewood Resort & Spa is proud that Eaglewood can be part of such an exciting program that provides a refuge for kids at risk that evokes a “hometown” feel. “This is why our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs is so important -- because their mission is to provide a nurturing and safe environment where kids can have fun and participate in activities that challenge and inspire them, while being mentored by superior role models. In a sense, it’s a real neighborhood and mirrors the mission of our Hometown Hospitality mission.”

Since giving is as important as receiving, as part of the Family Road Trip Vacations Hometown Hospitality initiative, Benchmark Hospitality has requested each family participate in four hours of service to their local community, side-by-side with the Benchmark Hospitality staff.

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

Eaglewood Resort & Spa is an AAA Four Diamond Award recipient, managed by Benchmark Hospitality. Located in Itasca, Ill., this upscale resort features 295 spacious guest rooms and suites, a selection of fine & casual dining options; first-class recreation including an 18-hole championship golf course; as well as 38,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space and a complete health spa. The Eaglewood is conveniently located on 106 acres in northwest Chicagoland, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and 12 miles west of O’Hare International Airport. Learn more at www.eaglewoodresort.com

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

The “Hometown Hospitality Caring for Our Communities” program of Benchmark Hospitality International advances the philanthropic endeavors of the leading hospitality management company through employee volunteer programs, in-kind donations and community outreach activities. Benchmark believes that responsible corporate citizenship recognizes the inalienable link between a healthy and vibrant community and the health and well being of a company and its employees. Hometown Hospitality Caring for Our Communities encourages and enables Benchmark employees globally to seek leading roles in the communities in which they live and work and the world community as well by supporting social, educational, and cultural programs, either through property-developed initiatives or through partnering with existing services.