Santa brought more than a hearty “ho ho ho” to the Hyatt Morristown Christmas tree lighting on Wednesday.
For Grow It Green Morristown, there was a $3,500 check.
And Santa brought an old friend to present it.
Tom Blundell, recently promoted from Morristown to general manager of the Hyatt Boston Harbor, returned for the holiday ceremony. Tom explained that his successor in Morristown, Martin Simon, had a commitment that pre-dated his new assignment.
So Tom came back to support his former employees, who raised the money for Grow It Green by making small donations in exchange for permission to dress casually at work on Fridays. They called the program “Jeans for Green.”
“Recognizing how important this event is to the associates of the hotel, the town, and to Grow it Green, I wanted to be there to ensure its success,” he said via email.
“We were very disappointed that we were unable to complete the event in 2013 and I promised then that we would be sure to have the event in 2014. I wanted to be here to fulfill that promise.”
Photos by Scott Schlosser. Please click icon below for captions.
Several Hyatt Morristown employees had toured the Early Street Community Garden and the Urban Farm at Lafayette, ventures started and operated by Grow It Green, “and we all agreed this would be a great community partner,” Tom said of the nonprofit.
“We are so honored to receive this generous donation from the Hyatt and its employees,” said Abby Gallo, executive director of Grow It Green. “They do so much for our community, and this donation will go a long way toward making Morristown a greener, healthier community.”
Mayor Tim Dougherty, Police Chief Pete Demnitz, town Administrator Michael Rogers and the town’s new chief financial officer, Frank Mason, also were on hand for the festivities.
Tom said he and his wife enjoyed their six years in Morristown.
“I have moved 11 times in my career with Hyatt and Morristown was really a home for our family. Being a small part of the amazing growth [of the town] was both a pleasure and privilege for which I am grateful,” he said.
He thanked the Olnick Organization and Fisher Development, owners of the Hyatt Morristown building, for their help over the years.
“Their commitment to the success of the hotel, Headquarters Plaza and Morristown is often overlooked,” Tom said.
He said the hotel is in good hands with Martin Simon. The New Jersey native was promoted from executive assistant manager in charge of food and beverage operations at the Grand Hyatt New York, at Grand Central Station.
“I am certain he will continue the ongoing success of the hotel and Morristown,” Tom said.
Editor’s note: Tom Blundell came to Morristown around the time we launched MorristownGreen.com. We presented two MG Film Festivals at the Hyatt and Tom and his team were outstanding. We wish Tom all the best in Boston, and welcome Martin Simon to town.
