Passports With Purpose 2013: A Luxury Stay At Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

I’m thrilled to announce that I am partnering with Passports with Purpose and Four Seasons Hotel Seattle to raise money for education in Mali, Africa. The luxury hotel has generously donated a 2-night bed and breakfast stay in support of the fundraiser that could be yours with a very small donation to this amazing cause.

What Is Passports With Purpose?

Passports with Purpose is a volunteer-run travel bloggers’ initiative that last year raised an incredible $116,000 to build much-needed wells in Haiti via Water.org. This year, the goal is $115,000 which will be used to construct three primary schools and fund three adult literacy programs in the Sikasso region of Mali through BuildOn.org.

Travel bloggers around the world work diligently to secure fantastic prizes for anyone to place a $10 minimum bid on. All proceeds from the bids go directly to the charity. Bidders have a shot at winning everything from travel gear to luxury vacations around the world. Talk about traveling for a good cause, right? Have you seen the 2013 prize catalog? It’s awesome.

Prize Details: 2-Night Luxury Bed & Breakfast Package at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Imagine a stay at Washington’s only five-star hotel that happens to be perfect for an adults-only getaway or a family holiday where kids are treated like VIPs, too.

Luxury Package Details

Two perfect night’s sleep at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle will be followed by an expertly prepared breakfast from the hotel’s top-rated chefs – a flawless way to start your day. Take in views of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle from ART Restaurant or from the comfort of your guest room. There’s nothing like being pampered at a Four Seasons Hotel, trust me.

The City’s Best Attractions Are Just Steps Away

Among the long list of reasons to bid on this prize, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle also places you within walking distance of major attractions such as:

• Seattle Art Museum
• Concerts at Benaroya Hall
• The energy of famous Pike Place Market
• The Seattle Great Wheel, the largest observation wheel on the West Coast
• Seattle Aquarium
• Gum Wall (kids will love this)

In fact, there’s so much nearby that Four Seasons Magazine wrote a dedicated article, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle: Within Walking Distance.

A Luxury Hotel That’s Perfect For Families

From the moment they enter the hotel and witness the famous toy salmon toss to a special Seattle-themed kid’s menu, young jetsetters are valued guests. The staff expertly zeroes in on their needs based on age and interests to determine special amenities and appropriate itineraries. An infinity pool provides hours of resort-like entertainment in good weather while DVDs, board games and other fun keep kids happy, too. Traveling with a baby? No problem. Cribs, diaper genies, bath amenities and babyproofing is available.

Have no fear about dining at the hotel’s signature ART Restaurant with the kids. In addition to their own kid-friendly tablesetting, they’ll stay occupied with a special Larry Gets Lost in Seattle activity book, as Larry appears throughout the hotel. Ask the concierge about arranging a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour, if the kids are old enough to appreciate it. The bottom line is that parents can go ahead and sip a glass of wine (or perhaps this Alpine Martini with vodka and lemon verbena leaves), nibble on urban Northwest favorites and take in the panoramic view without worry.

It sounds like an awesome trip, doesn’t it? And, there are many direct flights to Seattle from all over the world, including one from San Diego on Alaska Airlines.

What You Need To Do

Donate $10. That’s it. Really.

We at buildOn believe education – especially for women and for girls – is essential to a stable democracy. As Mali works to unite its country once more, I want to thank the travel blogging community for stepping up, and helping to ensure that the country has the tools it needs for a more stable, democratic and prosperous future.” – Jim Ziolkowski, buildOn CEO and founder

Thank you to the sponsors who help make PwP happen: Expedia (platinum sponsor);  DK Eyewitness Travel—DK Eyewitness Guides and Rough Guides (gold); TBEX (silver sponsor); HomeAway, HostelBookers, Go With Oh, and Eating London (bronze sponsors).

Now, go donate!