Alaska CHARR convention comes to Mat-Su, one event will help raise funds for Arctic Winter Games

In a normal year, nearly 2.25 million visitors come to Alaska and spend $2.2 billion during their stay. Those visitors provide 10% of Alaska’s jobs. It’s safe to say that tourism is one of Alaska’s major economic forces. In 2019, more than 52,000 Alaskans depended on tourism for their income. Every dollar spent on tourism brings returns to our state and our communities.

Within the tourism industry, hospitality plays a vital role in a thriving economy. Providing great hospitality makes guests feel welcome, comfortable, and valued, leading to an experience that encourages return customers and visitors, leading to long-term financial success.

The Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant, and Retailers Association (CHARR), is an organization that works to advance, serve, and protect workers in Alaska's hospitality and foodservice industry, will be holding its 52nd annual CHARR convention this week at the Menard Center.

This year’s "Rendezvous in the Mat-Su," is set to kick off this week.

“We have about 500 members in chapters throughout the state, and every year we have a state convention and they chose Mat-Su for our site this year,” said Marty Metiva, member of the Alaska CHARR.

The week-long convention will have events in some of the Mat-Su Borough’s best-known hospitality venues, including the Lake Lucille Best Western, Grand View Inn, Evangelo’s Restaurant, and the Palmer Ale House.

One of the highlights of the convention is the Charity Auction Dinner, which will also has a charity auction fundraiser to go along with it.

“Tuesday night at Settlers Bay, we will have our charity auction, and the money raised always goes towards a local charity. This year, we are pleased that the funds raised will go to the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games.”

When asked why the CHARR chose the Mat-Su AWG as the benefactor this year, he said it’s simply because the AWG is a great organization and the Games will be a big boon to the area next year.

“It’s going to be great for our economy, for hospitality, and with 2000 athletes participating and 5000 or more coming to our Valley, I knew it would be a great way to help out a great organization.”

Metiva says they are hoping to raise between $30,000 and $50,000 for the AWG. People interested in attending the charity dinner do not need to be a member of CHARR, simply go to the website to purchase tickets.

“It should be a big fundraiser, and it should be a lot of fun.”

For more information, please visit www.alaskacharr.com/convention