HYATT REGENCY SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT – BURLINGAME ANNOUNCES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR ASSISTANT HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

As the best in class hotel in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport is committed to the community and is proud that the hotel’s Assistant Director of Human Resources, Debbie Orita, was recently honored at the Peninsula Recognition of Passionate Service Awards.

Hosted by the San Mateo/Silicon Valley County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, Debbie was the recipient of their first annual Community Service Award and the prestigious recognition was richly deserved for Debbie’s dedicated service to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).

CCI is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Most recently, Debbie successfully raised Oahu, a beautiful black Labrador/Golden Retriever mixed puppy that the entire Hotel came to love. Debbie selflessly donated her time in training Oahu for 18 months (April 2011-November 2012), teaching Oahu up to 30 basic commands in preparation of the next series of training from CCI’s professional dog trainers…the end goal being to become an assistant for a person who has a special need. There could be no long, relaxing evenings for Debbie as she could not spend more than 4 hours away from Oahu at a time.  Also due to the demanding time constraints, Debbie brought Oahu to work to care for her every day. Of course many hotel associates enjoyed the benefits of having a dog to visit and play with during the day, but Debbie’s associates did not experience the immense responsibility that she happily assumed as a puppy raiser for CCI.

Debbie comments, “I volunteer with CCI because I love dogs and it’s also a good opportunity to work with animals who provide a great benefit for someone who has a disability.”

According to General Manager Keith Butz, “One of the great advantages of working at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport is that our associates are encouraged to get involved in community service.”  He continues, “We are very proud of Debbie’s achievements and hope that all of our employees feel compelled to exercise their passions for community service as well.”