More than 100 Protravel team members volunteered dressed as elves, Santa helpers, the Grinch and other Christmas characters to treat the families to a festive meal, live music, a magic show and a host of activities such as arts and crafts, carnival games, face painting and more. The event capped off with a visit from Santa Claus, bringing gifts, chosen specifically for each child in attendance. Prior to the afternoon party, Santa brought gifts to the in-patient children with brain tumors at Mount Sinai as well.

“Protravel’s children’s holiday party is a wonderful tradition that perfectly exemplifies Protravel’s commitment to giving back,” said Protravel President Becky Powell. “This party is a huge undertaking each year, involving not just volunteer hours, but donations from employees and many partners and clients of Protravel. We are so grateful to be able to bring joy to these families, and obviously, we get a great deal of joy out of the experience as well.”

The family event was created years ago by Protravel’s Senior Vice President of Leisure & Sales Marketing, Andy Pesky, who is a brain tumor survivor himself, and his wife Elaine Pesky, a travel advisor with Protravel. Their idea for this annual tradition came to fruition more than two decades ago when Andy decided to forgo his former company’s gift exchange and utilize the money for something greater to raise donations and stage the holiday event. Protravel’s senior leadership were all on hand for the holiday party to help participating families enjoy a special time.

With more than 4,000 diagnosis each year, brain tumors are the second most common cancers in children. The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 by dedicated parents, physicians and friends, and is committed to finding a cure for pediatric brain tumors.

About Protravel International, LLC:

Protravel International, LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International, LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products – coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry – makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry. Protravel clients also have access to The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group, a selection of travel offers and discounts available at no additional cost to holders of select American Express® cards. For more information visit www.TheTravelCollection.com.

2018: Year of the Travel Agent

Travel Leaders Group has named 2018 Year of the Travel Agent. Over the last decade, the travel agency industry has flourished through technology, the growth of travel options and personalized service. Travel Leaders Group represents approximately 52,000 travel agents with unmatched expertise in 135,000 destinations and 53,000 areas of interest. Travelers and suppliers have rediscovered the value a professional travel advisor delivers to the travel experience. Travel agents help to move people around the world, and keep our economy growing.