The Family Bonds Foundation -- Internova Travel Group's charitable organization -- far surpassed its fundraising goal of $150,000 this year, bringing in a total of $461,000.
The foundation offers financial assistance to those in need, helping with things like medical bills and school supplies. Grants are awarded based on nominations from travel agencies and suppliers. More than 200 grants have been awarded date.
A number of donations this year were made during Travel Leaders Network's Edge conference in June. Suppliers donated a record number of prizes for its silent auction and online raffle.
The Family Bonds Foundation has benefitted from a new corporate donor program introduced this year, with varying sponsorship levels: Diamond (more than $25,000), Platinum ($10,000-$24,999), Gold ($5,000-$9,999), Silver ($2,500-$4,999) and Bronze ($1,000-$2,499).
Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and the Globus family of brands are all Diamond-level sponsors. Cruise Holidays and Nexion Travel Group are Platinum sponsors.
The Family Bonds Foundation was founded by John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group. Its president is Jackie Friedman, also president of the Nexion host agency.
"The need is so great and every donation can help change someone's life," Friedman said.
The next deadline for grant nominations is Oct. 15.