by Cathy Backus, CSA Travel Protection

Every 3 minutes, a woman in America is diagnosed with breast cancer.  For many of us these words go in one ear and out the other but for the organization, “Send Me on Vacation,” that’s not the case. On June 5^th, 2011, at the Grand Mayan Resort located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a “Survivors Scramble” began a day of celebration for every woman who has fought against breast cancer. Over 95% of the players in the scramble had never swung a club, but, driven by the worthwhile cause, everyone came out to play.

June and Mel Grant, San Francisco Exchange

Hosting this weekend event, the Grand Mayan Resort, San Francisco Exchange and CSA Travel Protection invited guests to enjoy a beachside dinner at the beautiful Punta Arena restaurant located on the grounds of the Grand Mayan Resort and Spa. The program’s initial honoree ”Jacque Duhame” of Scottsdale AZ, captivated 30 guests, sharing her tremendous challenges, counting her many blessings and sending her sincere love and hope to all women who have ever been affected by the disease.  She elaborated on the outpouring of love and support shown to her by her family, friends and industry professionals. There is certainly nothing good about any type of illness or disease but when people move mountains to come to the aid of others in need, a feeling of love for mankind prevails. 

Nine companies supported nine survivors, donating funds that will send 3 women on vacation in 2011 to refresh their body, mind and spirit after completing treatment. Aspen Financial, Backus ∙ Carranza & Burden, Chicago Title-Timeshare, Condominium Travel Club, CSA Travel Protection, First American Title-Vacation Ownership, San Francisco Exchange, Travel to Go and Women in the Industry.

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RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the extension and expansion of its strategic alliance with International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE), the worldwide industry leader for integrated cruise and leisure packages to the vacation ownership and travel industries.

“For more than eight years ICE has been a fantastic partner offering quality cruises and services to our members in the United States and Canada,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “This extension now provides the framework to expand our relationship globally and allows us to continue to offer great cruise and related vacation programs to our members in the United States, Canada, Asia and Australia.”

As part of the agreement, ICE will provide cruise fulfillment including operations and technology for RCI global exchange programs. ICE will also provide technology platforms and related fulfillment for member loyalty, lead generation and purchase incentives which are designed to provide value-added benefits to RCI’s affiliated developers.

As the exclusive exchange provider for ICE, RCI will become an extension of business development efforts for ICE products and services.

“Our strategic partnership with RCI has been a mutually rewarding relationship and we look forward to working side by side with RCI to provide innovative products and services to the international marketplace,” said John Rowley, chairman and CEO, ICE. “We are dedicated to providing RCI members world class cruise and vacation benefits coupled with quality customer service as part of their RCI membership.”

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 73,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

For additional information on the services offered to developers by RCI and how they can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.grouprci.com.

About ICE
International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE) is a worldwide travel and leisure organization with a global network of innovative travel alliances including top corporations, resorts, cruise lines, vacation suppliers and travel providers. ICE provides innovative cruise, vacation and travel programs, unique member reward and loyalty programs, as well as cruise and vacation fulfillment services to more than 150 major corporate brands serving more than 55 million consumers worldwide.  Enjoying more than 12 years of tremendous growth and a legacy of successful industry innovation, ICE continues to raise the bar in creative marketing solutions, service and passion within the travel industry. Visit www.iceenterprise.com for more information.