MENLO PARK, CA — A year has gone by since the Park James Hotel threw open its doors, and now it’s opened its heart — with the help of one notable, wealthy business neighbor who management considers a “friend.”
To mark the anniversary from last week in its awe-inspiring, altruistic nature, this trendy, 61-room boutique hotel hosted a fundraising party to celebrate last week’s milestone with a tip of the hat to the arts and the Menlo Park community. Of the estimated $20,000 raised from Saturday night’s event, about half that was earmarked by Facebook to go to the Menlo-Atherton Foundation for the Future, which supports Menlo Atherton High School.
The Menlo Park hotel on El Camino Real brought out about 100 people to its stylish courtyard for “A Taste of the Tropics,” a Hawaiian-themed event complete with tropical drinks, decor, a lei-making station and even a roasted pig to complement the meal.
Park James owner Jeff Pollock spends much time in the islands and invited his friend David Parsons with his band to serenade the partygoers to the civically-minded hotel.
Parsons launched into his music set with a sacred blessing from the islands to the hotel in sharing the Hawaiian mantra of “ohana,” which means in Hawaiian culture as an expansive family.
“Every time I walk into this hotel, I get light,” the Hawaiian singer and guitarist told the crowd.
The cultural notion matches the neon sign above the hotel’s front door that reads: “No strangers here, just new friends.”
The idea of welcoming all to its family of guests is the vision of the Park James passed from the Pollock family to its Broughton Hotels President Larry Broughton to General Manager Dan Romero to Sales Manager Jacques Rachal to a 77-person staff that greets with an extraordinary number of sincere smiles and customer service gestures — especially when a guest graces the grounds with a four-legged friend as it is pet friendly.
“It’s great we could celebrate this with the community. Here we’re at a crossroads of creative with a lot of people who are intellectual heavyweights,” Broughton told Patch.
It’s the mission of this former Green Beret who’s become a well-traveled hospitality guru to bring people of all types with backgrounds including the arts, academics and business to come together, share ideas and give back to the community.
Becoming that quasi staging ground for Menlo Park think tanks represents the underlying vision behind the hotel’s new program — the 1400 Club. The membership program provides a venue in which Silicon Valley and San Francisco Peninsula movers and shakers may engage one another for the betterment of the community through the hotel hosting events. With that, members receive perks such as free valet parking and discounts on future events such as mixology classes and meet-and-greets as well as food and beverage in its Oak + Violet restaurant.
The dining establishment, which attracts many nearby residents, accounts for half the hotel revenue, Broughton hinted. The varied menus offer a culinary escape from the mundane, with cocktails and wine that season any palate.
Broughton told Patch that after a year the financial performance of the new, contemporary hotel “looks good,” albeit his desire to have about “30 more rooms.” The hotel appeals to business travelers, so visitors over the weekend often find more availability.
“I want people to call this their place,” Broughton said.
By staging a venue for idea sharing complete with disagreement, the hotel president hopes to alleviate much of the “tribalism” discord experienced in much of the United States in its current political climate.
By giving back to a community school, the fundraising effort seeks to raise money for the next generation that will lead the nation and the community to a better economy and good will.
Pollock family friend Elizabeth Bernard, the president of Sand Hill Insurance Services among other ventures, said she relishes the idea of harboring a place that’s “bringing back civility in a diverse community.”
Well, it’s been said — “as the Silicon Valley goes…”
No one knows better than former Menlo Park Mayor Peter Ohtaki, who showed up to celebrate the accomplishments of the $45 million hotel built on his watch.
“You know, this was my proudest moment as mayor to be here at this ribbon cutting (a year ago),” he told Patch. “This was a great part of the city’s efforts.”
Ohtaki commended the Park James staff, management and ownership for its drive away from being exclusively about self-imposed profits and more about giving back to the community.
M-A Foundation Executive Director Ann Marie Meacham echoed the sentiment. She told Patch the nonprofit is “incredibly grateful” for the donation from Facebook through efforts spawned by the Park James.
“This gift will go toward our annual fund in which we support the following programs at M-A,” she said. The proceeds is expected to benefit students in a variety of ways, ranging from reducing class sizes with experienced teachers and broadening the curriculum to supporting critical programs and securing the students gain success at advancing to college and career life.
More on the foundation is listed on the website.
The Park James may be accessed on this website.
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