Fundraising with the Four Seasons Boston

Few things make me happier than vacation with my family. Even fewer are the times I can say that I was completely fulfilled within a moment or series of events that would go on to improve the lives of others. This summer, I was fortunate enough to experience both of these at one time while on vacation at the Four Seasons Boston, during which we were able to participate in their Run of Hope, a fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

This was our second annual (I say that dearly hoping for a yearly tradition) trip to the fabulous Four Seasons Boston (read about our first trips here and here). I was almost nervous to visit again-as if the perfect experience that we had could in no way be re-created. Not surprisingly, my anticipation and anxieties were immediately quelled nearly the second we pulled up and the valet greeted us with a warm smile and bottles of water. It’s during this very moment that I realized this is precisely what the Four Seasons brand is all about: Luxury, comfort, quality, and consistency. The (entire!) staff is infallible in execution of every single one of these traits, and that is precisely what sets them apart from the others.

We intended to throw the Four Seasons Boston a bit of a curve ball with the inclusion of my mother, and Beau, our six-month-old son in addition to the rest of us. It’s one thing to accommodate two toddlers easily and happily-it’s another thing entirely to add an infant into that mix. The hotel had a crib, baby bathtub, and diaper pail waiting for us in our suite as well as chocolates and teething biscuits. They never skipped a beat.

One of the best things about traveling with children is watching their eyes sparkle and widen with each brand new experience. We as their parents and caregivers bear witness to what circles in the nucleus in all of life: The wonder and hope that happens naturally, almost magically, in the souls of children.

The Four Seasons Hotels must have sat down with a focus group of children and methodically unlocked this door of happiness, as each time we have visited the spirits of our children were practically dancing and almost literally bouncing off of the walls with excitement.

Our socks were knocked off whenever we returned to our hotel room with their children’s amenities: Cake pops, cookie classes, bedtime stories, the ice cream man making sundaes for us IN our hotel room, and a couple of their newest features: An opportunity to Raid The Fridge before bedtime, and their Kid Passport Program-a treasure hunt through the hotel that ended in a prize.

If there were an adult Disneyland-The Four Seasons Boston comes pretty darn close. The kids are not only happy but totally entertained without the constant one-man-band acts put on by us parents, and it is so much more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. It’s nice to not have to think of every single detail when vacationing with children.

We spent three days in Boston at the Four Seasons. While it was wonderful to spend this time as a family, it was so special to be able to have my mom with us, enjoying these special moments with us as well. This was her first visit to Boston (ever!), so we had so much fun showing her around like it was OUR city.

On the swan boats in the Boston Public Gardens

Taking the Boston Duck Tour (second time for us. A Boston must!)

Enjoying an amazing breakfast in our room.

Carousel ride on the Greenway



One of our favorite shows was Cheers-we had to stop by.

A beautiful dinner at The Bristol Lounge (the food here is out of this world).

By the time Saturday rolled around, our hearts and souls were so filled up with quality time and happiness we didn’t think much more could fit. That’s when we attended the Run of Hope, and everything was put into perspective.

The Four Seasons Hotels really understand the spirit of children, and they don’t stop at caring for their pint-sized guests. Since 1977, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have conducted fundraisers to benefit cancer research. The founder of the Four Seasons, Isadore Sharp who lost his own child to pediatric cancer, created The Run of Hope, which is held in various cities where there is a Four Seasons, and all proceeds go to benefit pediatric cancer research. As a champion of pediatric cancer myself (my first philanthropic event was hosted to benefit Cookies for Cancer), I jumped on board to not only participate in the race, but spread the word as best as I could.

My children and my husband all ran in the race on the beautiful Saturday, amongst cancer survivors and many supporters. All benefits of the Four Seasons Boston’s Run of Hope on June 9th, 2012, went directly to pediatric cancer care and research at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center (MGH). David Ortiz, the popular designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox, was on hand to kick off the 5k run and 2k walk and offered a great deal of his time signing items for his young fans, and was generous in sharing his mug, and his time for photo opportunities with many of the participants. Everyone (including Jack and Zoe) enjoyed children’s games, ice cream, and incredible raffle prizes (including a meet & greet with Big Papi at Fenway Park), a pancake breakfast prepared by Four Seasons Chefs, plus an Awards Ceremony hosted by Shayna Seymour, during which the top runners and fundraisers were honored. Top fundraisers received trips to Four Seasons properties worldwide, airfare included.

Four Seasons Hotel Boston is proud to partner with the David Ortiz Children’s Fund for the third straight year. Together, their mission is to help children receive the best possible care at MGH. The Run of Hope has raised USD 1 million for MGH thus far and is part of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts global mission to help find a cure for cancer as well (to date, more than USD 600 million has been raised toward the cause)

It was an honor and absolute treat to meet David Ortiz. He was so friendly and completely involved with the cause and it’s supporters.

While our trip to the Four Seasons Hotel Boston was unparalleled and truly one of the best vacations we have taken with the kids, my husband and I were honored to participate in such a fantastic fundraiser. It was the perfect combination of things that allowed us to really appreciate what is most important in our lives (family) while also being able to contribute to a cause that is so important and dear to our hearts.

This experience only solidifies my understanding that the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts truly hold the spirit of children in their core values, and show their respect and dedication in so many different ways. We couldn’t be more grateful to partner with the Four Seasons for these experiences with Have Family Will Travel, and any future experiences we have with them in the future (of which there will be many).

I was not compensated for this post. Our accommodations at the Four Seasons Boston were covered in exchange for this review, and for coverage on their blog Have Family Will Travel. All opinions are my own.