The Hoffmann Family of Companies (HFOC) has donated $250,000 to the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) School of Resort & Hospitality Management as part of FGCU Give Day.
This afternoon, Hoffmann Family of Companies was honored to be a part of the ribbon-cutting event. David Hoffmann, the founder of the HFOC, presented a check for $250,000 to the FGCU School of Resort & Hospitality Management for its wine laboratory. The wine laboratory will be named the Hoffmann Family of Companies Wine Laboratory in honor of the donation from Jerri and David Hoffmann.
Part of the Lutgert College of Business, the School of Resort & Hospitality Management is the first hospitality program in the State University System of Florida to be accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration; as well as accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business. Housed in Sugden Hall, the school boasts unique learning environments including a fully operational food production and restaurant laboratory, a wine and food tasting laboratory, a ballroom event management laboratory, and cutting-edge audio/visual/internet technology.
Naples residents Jerri and David Hoffmann are proud to make this donation on FGCU Give Day, a day dedicated to giving in the community #FGCUGiveDay. The Hoffmanns are no strangers to philanthropy, wine, and the hospitality industry. Both Jerri and David Hoffmann sit on the board of trustees for the Naples Children & Education Foundation which hosts its annual fundraiser, the Winter Wine Festival, and are owners of many SWFL hospitality businesses including the Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida. Additionally, the Hoffmanns announced last year their investment of $125 million in America’s first designated wine region, Augusta, Missouri, and their purchase of four wineries, five vineyards, and some 1,500 acres of vines. The Hoffmann Estate Wine is currently served locally at Hertz Arena, Tacos & Tequila, the Naples Princess, and the Old Collier Golf Club, as well as throughout the nation.
“We’re excited for our partnership with FGCU and their students. We strongly believe their hospitality program is the best in the nation and are honored to have the wine laboratory named after us.”
– David Hoffmann, Chairman & CEO – Hoffmann Family of Companies.
“Experiential learning is critical for students as they prepare for careers. The Hoffmans demonstrate their understanding of its importance with this gift to the School of Resort & Hospitality Management. It is yet another example of their business acumen and vision as they invest in the next generation of professionals destined for this important industry.”
– Chris Westley, Dean of the Lutgert College of Business.
