Silent auction, raffle at September conference in New Orleans will raise money to assist travel industry colleagues in need

IRVING, TX (August 28, 2024) – When colleagues in the travel industry need help, the Family Bonds Foundation is there, distributing grants that can make a difference to a family struggling with medical bills or a community recovering from a natural disaster.

Travel advisors and supplier partners attending Nexion Travel Group’s CoNexion Conference, Sept. 9-11 in New Orleans, will have a chance to add to the record-setting $461,000 the Foundation has raised this year by participating in a silent auction and raffle.

The silent auction will feature a variety of prizes including luxury cruises, business-class airline tickets, luxury hotel stays and more. Raffle tickets will be available at $10 for one and $20 for three, offering even more ways to donate and win.

Donors can text BondsFall24 to 44834 (United States) or 888-597-2477 (Canada) to reach the online platform and start bidding. Donors can also register at. http://bidpal.net/bondsfall24.

Registration and fundraiser will open on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 8 a.m. CT. The auction closes on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 12 noon CT. The raffle closes on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

This year, anyone who donates $20 or more will receive a digital copy of the latest version of the Family Bonds Foundation Cookbook, which includes recipes from preferred supplier chefs and staff, as well as authentic local recipes from destination partners.

“I am so proud of the generosity of people in our industry and the impact we have had in helping those in need,” said Jackie Friedman, Family Bonds Foundation President and President of Nexion Travel Group. She oversees the Foundation’s Board of Directors and provides strategic direction. “That need is always growing, and I know our Nexion advisors and supplier partners will answer the call so that we can provide even more assistance.”

Founded in 2015 by John Lovell, President of Travel Leaders Group, part of Internova Travel Group, one of the largest travel services companies in the world, the Family Bonds Foundation supports families, their children and their communities who are experiencing financial hardships.

Each year, nominations for assistance from the Family Bonds Foundation are taken from Internova Travel Group’s network of advisors and preferred partners. The Foundation Board, made up of travel industry leaders, agency owners and supplier partner and Internova Travel Group executives, reviews the nominations and awards grants. So far, more than 200 grants have been distributed to travel advisors, supplier partners and their local communities, helping with such expenses as college tuition, medical bills, daycare or after-school care, school supplies and other basic necessities.

Everyone in the travel industry is encouraged to help the Foundation identify potential recipients. The next deadline for nominations is Oct. 15, with the decision communicated to recipients on Nov. 1. To nominate someone or to make a donation, go to familybondsfoundation.com.

About Nexion Travel Group
Nexion Travel Group is a fully accredited host agency, offering membership to independent travel professionals since 1995. As part of Internova Travel Group, Nexion Travel Group provides ticketing, operations and fulfillment support to independent travel professionals coupled with best-in-class tools, technology, marketing, education and support. Nexion Travel Group is the complete host agency for multi-agent agencies, corporate agencies, experienced agents and those new to the industry.