Nov 19, 2024
Auction Event Returns To The New York State Tourism Conference In 2025
At the 2019 New York State Tourism Conference in Buffalo, Genesee County's Kelly Rapone and her Scholarship Auction committee raised $17,500 for the Destinations of New York State Scholarship Fund. Due to the pandemic, there was no conference or auction in 2020. The membership of NYSTIA has continued to award $10,000 annually in scholarships, and the 2025 conference will be the first to feature this important fundraiser since the pandemic.
We’re pleased to announce the return of the Destinations of New York State Scholarship Auction in 2025, an opportunity to support New York State tourism and hospitality students while bidding on exceptional items and experiences! Whether you’re a long-time participant or new to the auction, this is your chance to help fund scholarships that make a real difference in students' lives.
We are currently seeking donations to make the auction a success! If you have a unique item, experience, or idea to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. From distinctive memorabilia to exclusive opportunities, every donation brings us closer to our goal! Please use form below to donate.
"Let’s make the 2025 scholarship auction entertaining and impactful. Your contributions can help change lives while making the event one to remember. Thank you for your support!"
- Scholarship Auction Co-Chairs:
Jennifer Ackerson, Alon Tourism Solutions
James Sauter, rove
About the Destinations of New York State Scholarship Program and Fund:
The Program: The Destinations of New York State Scholarship Program awards $10,000 in tuition and internship scholarships (see 2024 recipients below). Each year, NYSTIA's Scholarship Committee meets and reviews applications and selects the award recipients from the field of applicants. Applicants must be students in good standing who are residents of New York State studying tourism-related degree programs at New York State colleges and universities.
The Fund: The scholarship fund, 100% supported by the membership of NYSTIA, is fiscally maintained by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties (CFOS), a 501c(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax deductible. CFOS awards the grants directly to the college, university or institution involved.
2024 Scholarship Recipients:
- Sarah Walters - Niagara University
- Samantha Phillips - Rochester Institute of Technology
- Carter Benedict - Rochester Institute of Technology
- Tracey McKinney - Monroe Community College
- Lydia Hulbert - SUNY SCCC