The Alfond Inn Wins Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ 2026 GIFTTS Pineapple Award for Philanthropy
5/18/2026
(Winter Park, FL— May 18, 2026) – The Alfond Inn at Rollins, the award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park, is pleased to announce that it has been named the winner of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ 2026 GIFTTS Pineapple Award for Philanthropy. The award was announced during the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Global Conference 2026, held May 12-15 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Presented annually by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the GIFTTS Pineapple Awards honor member hotels for exceptional commitments to philanthropy, sustainability, and social responsibility. GIFTTS, which stands for Great Initiatives for Today’s (Tomorrow’s) Society, celebrates purpose-driven hospitality initiatives across Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of more than 600 independent hotels, resorts, residences, and hotel groups across 80 countries. The Alfond Inn was recognized in the Philanthropy category for its unique nonprofit model, which directs net operating proceeds toward student scholarships at Rollins College.
Unlike a traditional hotel, The Alfond Inn operates as a philanthropic enterprise owned by Rollins College, directing net operating income to fund scholarships, a merit-based full tuition, room, and board scholarship. Every visit from a guest, from overnight stays to meetings, events, or spa visits at the Alfond support access to a Rollins education and advances student achievement.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it honors the purpose at the heart of The Alfond Inn,” said Michael Briggs, Managing Director of The Alfond Inn at Rollins. “Hospitality is our daily work, but education is also deeply important to our long-term mission. Every guest who walks through our doors becomes part of a model that supports Rollins students and strengthens the future of the College.”
The impact of The Alfond Inn’s model extends beyond financial aid. Through its close relationship with Rollins College, the hotel offers students exposure to a working example of mission-driven enterprise, with opportunities for internships, mentorship, and practical learning across hospitality, operations, events, and cultural programming.
The Inn also reinforces Rollins’ educational mission through its stewardship of The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, a part of the Rollins Museum of Art. Displayed throughout the property on a rotating basis, the collection transforms the hotel into an active cultural and educational space where students, guests, and the broader community encounter museum-quality contemporary art through tours, programming, and daily public engagement. The Alfond Inn is the only hotel in the United States to function as a formal extension of an art museum, with rotating installations selected by the museum’s expert curators.
In addition to receiving the GIFTTS Pineapple Award for Philanthropy, the hotel’s Theori Thomas, Human Resources Coordinator, was also recognized with a Rising Star Award winner during the conference.
The Rising Star Award is presented to a select group of team members nominated by hotels worldwide who, within their first five years of employment, have implemented successful programs or made exceptional impacts within their organizations. Thomas was recognized for the energy, thoughtfulness, and dedication she brings to The Alfond Inn team through her work in human resources, where she has helped strengthen morale, foster meaningful connections, and cultivate a culture of support and togetherness.
The recognition follows another strong year for The Alfond Inn, which continues to serve as both a celebrated Winter Park destination and a formal extension of Rollins College’s educational and cultural mission. Through its scholarship support, student engagement, and public art programming, The Alfond Inn offers a distinctive model for how hospitality can create lasting academic and community impact.
ABOUT THE ALFOND INN AT ROLLINS
A member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X.SM collection, The Alfond Inn at Rollins has a AAA Four Diamond Rating and is managed by Olympia Hotel Management, an innovative leader in hospitality. Owned by Rollins College, a private coeducational liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida, The Alfond Inn opened in August 2013 and directs net operating income to Rollins College scholarships. The 183-room boutique hotel offers The Spa at The Alfond Inn, two pools, a 6,000-square-foot Amenity Deck, a fitness center, and 12,400 square feet of flexible meeting space. The award-winning Hamilton's Kitchen restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while The Café offers lighter bites and beverages. The hotel is located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. The Alfond Inn at Rollins, 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. 407-998-8090. www.thealfondinn.com
PRESS CONTACT
alfondinn@culturalcounsel.com
