The American ambassador of Republic of Hungary nominated Hungarian Baptist Aid for the prize of „Nonprofit organisation of the Year” at Conrad Hilton Foundation.
Following selection by an independent international jury, the annual $1.5 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize is awarded to a nonprofit organization doing extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering. According to the president of Hungarian Baptist Aid, nomination is very honorific, as Hilton Foundation appreciates only the very significant work, and invests in ten priority areas, including these initiatives: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance abuse, caring for vulnerable children, supporting Catholic Sisters. In 2009, the Foundation distributed more than $80 million in grants. Since inception, they have awarded nearly $900 million in grants.
About Conrad N. Hilton
Guided by the example of his German-American mother and Norwegian immigrant father, Conrad Hilton's life was grounded in a deep faith in God and country, an intrinsic belief in hard work, and the ability to "dream big." He was also profoundly influenced by the Catholic Church and its Sisters.
Known for his optimism, honesty, and unfailing sense of fairness, Conrad Hilton went on to create the largest and most profitable international hotel empire of his era. He purchased his first hotel in Cisco, Texas, in 1919. Thirty years later his acquisition of the famed Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City made national headlines. When Hilton Hotels Corporation acquired control of Statler Hotels in 1954, the real estate transaction was the largest the world had known to date.
In addition to his reputation as a leading hotelier, Conrad Hilton was a fervent patriot, international statesman, and ambassador of goodwill. He hosted the first Congressional Prayer Breakfast in 1953 with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He spoke often about world peace and vigorously advocated international cooperation and progress in developing countries.
Conrad Hilton believed in the power of travel to foster understanding among peoples of the world. He embraced this philosophy in the Hilton corporate motto, "World Peace Through International Trade and Travel."
His concern for the disadvantaged was genuine and deep, and he expressed it by donating and helping to raise significant funds to advance key causes.
