Creating A Responsible Environment for the Cape & Islands (CARE) What is it? CARE for the Cape & Islands™ was founded in 2012 as the Cape and Islands’ first “travelers’ philanthropy initiative”. CARE’s mission is to encourage, support, and create opportunities for visitors to donate their “time, talent, and treasure” to help preserve and protect the very things they travel here to see and enjoy: exquisite natural beauty, plant and wildlife habitats, Cape & Islands culture and history. Why Cape Cod and the Islands? Cape Cod and the Islands’ scenic beauty and pristine coastline are enjoyed and appreciated by millions of visitors each year, presenting a need to protect its unique qualities. This program will enable us to help sustain the region’s fragile ecosystem, the culture and the heritage that draw visitors and residents to vacation, work and live. Ultimately, CARE for the Cape & Islands™ is seeking to tap into the travelers’ growing interest in and support of eco-tourism and green-travel as well as their philanthropic inclinations to help us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Cape & Islands as a national treasure and travel destination. How does it work? CARE for the Cape & Islands educates and facilitates relationships among travelers, businesses, local organizations, environmental initiatives, and residents. Working closely with those involved in the travel industry, CARE is able to create opportunities for travelers to contribute to local efforts to promote long-term environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation. Visit their website at http://careforthecapeandislands.org/# to learn about the pilot project completed in 2012 and so much more. Who are we? Jill Talladay received her M.A. in Tourism Administration with a concentration in Sustainable Destination Management from The George Washington University and the Philip W. Ogilive award for highest academic achievement in 2011. Most recently she has been working as an independent consultant who advises for-profit business and non-profit organizations in New England on the promotion of special travel and tourism projects, community-relations development and sustainability. She has helped organizations like the Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Eventful Connections, Tourism Cares, Cape & Islands Whale Trail and a variety of events in the region establish community partnerships, raise funds for grants and scholarships, generate consumer awareness, increase membership and to incorporate sustainable practices into their business. Beyond her paid work, Jill is a committed volunteer and has served on numerous boards including as president and scholarship chair for Cape Cod Hospitality Marketing Association, Philanthropy Day of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Travel Industry Symposium and as founder and president of Single Volunteers of Cape Cod. She is passionate about using green practices and works hard to educate her friends as well as the public on simple steps they may take to make a difference on a daily basis. Please visit the website to learn about the ongoing projects, funding and the reasons why this organization has become such a passion for Jill. http://careforthecapeandislands.org/about-us/]]>