Around 20 people armed with cleaning solution and wearing face masks descended on the hotel for a deep clean of the ballroom. They also helped pull out patio furnishings from storage. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, the hotel’s staff was reduced from 55 to just nine, including five managers and four hourly employees, according to the hotel’s manager.
As the hotel was considered an essential business during the shutdown, it meant some things couldn’t get done as thoroughly as Courtyard general manager Becky Krieger would’ve preferred. Enter Ryan Ray, Development Director with the Salvation Army of Springfield.
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Ray put out an appeal for help to friends on Facebook to show up on Memorial Day weekend and received quick responses.
“On a beautiful Saturday, they want to be here out of the kindness of their hearts,” Ray said of the volunteers.
When the offer came, Krieger was touched.
“Ryan and these volunteers have servants’ hearts. Our business likes to give back and it was humbling to know they wanted to do this,” she said.
Ray got the idea after checking out the hotel’s event space and noticing that Krieger appeared stressed.
“They were super nice about it and I realized they needed help and thought it would be nice to extend a hand to a business that does a lot in our community,” said Ray, adding he always found Courtyard accommodating for Salvation Army business needs.
Energized by refreshments donated by Winans Chocolates & Coffees, volunteers, the youngest at just 5 years-old with plastic gloves picking things off the floor, set to work on deep cleaning, scrubbing tables and counters in the ballroom, running a large vacuum, tearing down a dance floor, stacking and putting chairs in storage and other general cleaning.
Pam Smith and son Cody, a Northwestern High sophomore, had recently volunteered with food distribution for those in need and wanted to continue their service, jumping when Ray offered.
“We’re not doing anything this morning. People are worth it,” Pam Smith said.
Krieger said it will especially help since the Courtyard’s dining and beverage services won’t return until June 9. The intent is to bring back all the laid off employees if possible.
“We’re family-oriented here and are chomping at the bit to bring our people back,” she said.
According to Krieger, Courtyard normally averages about 70 percent occupancy and during the pandemic is only averaging between 17-20 percent.
Although most of its bookings were canceled for its meeting rooms and ballrooms, there are still commitments, including a wedding in one of the smaller rooms last weekend. The hotel is conforming to safety measures such as social distancing guidelines and keeping tables six feet apart, according to Krieger.
Krieger said the volunteer cleaning was reciprocal as Courtyard likes being able to give back to the community with organizations’ needs, working with the food bank and charitable events like the annual March for Babies, for example.
And as a Springfield resident, transplanted from Columbus, Krieger wants to keep that spirit in the community.
“We really appreciate the outreach,” she said.
This isn’t Ray’s first time for such a project. He led another volunteer cleaning for a local restaurateur that opened a location at the Upper Valley Mall a few years back.
“People in these crazy times are looking to be inspired and to be creative. I just hope what we’re doing will inspire others to do things in the community,” said Ray.
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