One of Turkey's leading hotel chains Elite World Hotels & Resorts, continues to support social benefit projects. The Elite World Hotels & Resorts team once again supported the Darüşşafaka Society in the 47th Istanbul Marathon, held on November 2, 2025, and ran with the motto, "When it comes to education, I run to help!" Donations collected during the marathon will be used to cover the book and stationery expenses of successful students at the Darüşşafaka Society who are bereaved and have limited financial means.

5th company that raised the most donations

Last year, the Elite World Hotels & Resorts team transformed the donations it collected on behalf of Darüşşafaka into meaningful support, contributing to the education of many students and becoming the fifth company to raise the most donations. This year, the goal is to build on last year's success, raise even more funds, and reach even more students.

The group will contribute to increasing the amount of aid collected by taking an active role both in the running course and in the donation campaign.

“We ran for equal opportunities in education”

Elite World Hotels & Resorts Board Member Responsible for Sales and Marketing Emel Elik Bezaroglu"The mission undertaken by the Darüşşafaka Society in education sets an example not only for our country but for the entire world. Contributing to the education of the new generation, the guarantor of our future, is a shared responsibility for all of us. This year, we participated in the Istanbul Marathon for the second time to demonstrate that they are not alone in this responsibility and to support more children in accessing a quality education. We hope that the proceeds from the campaign will bring hope to our children, the guarantor of our future," he said.

Source: HORECA TREND and Elite World

Marriott International TürkiyeThirty-four female employees from 14 hotels affiliated with Büyükada gathered for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Marriott International business partners, dressed in pink and carrying the slogan "Pedalizing Hope with Pink," pedaled together for the "Pink Bike and Awareness Ride" held on Büyükada. The bicycle procession, which wound its way through Büyükada's unique natural beauty and quiet streets, attracted considerable interest and support from island residents and day visitors.

A Donation Model That Brings Social Responsibility and Technology Together

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the donation model that combined modern technology with social good. Participants converted every physical step they took and every pedal stroke into a donation through the app. This digital donation platform supported the Cancer-Free Life Association. Additionally, 14 hotels organized a fundraising campaign for the Breast Health Association (Memeder). Marriott Business Council Turkey will continue its donations throughout Awareness Month. This meaningful gathering strengthened solidarity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month while also sending a hopeful message of social awareness.

Source: HORECA TREND and Marriott International Türkiye

The only palace and hotel from the Ottoman Empire on the Bosphorus, dating back to the 17th century Ciragan Palace Kempinski, special for awareness #CiraganPalaceBecomesPink ve #BreastHealthInMyHands under the headings, MEMEDERIt carries out meaningful activities throughout October to support and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis.

Çırağan Palace Turns Pink Throughout October

Çırağan Palace's historic facade overlooking the Bosphorus and its famous gates are illuminated with pink lights throughout October. Çırağan Palace employees support awareness by wearing pink ribbons on their uniform lapels throughout the month. The MEMEDER management team also organizes awareness training for hotel staff. Guests staying at the hotel can contribute to MEMEDER by adding an optional donation to their bill throughout the month. Informational materials about the importance of early diagnosis of breast cancer are available in common areas and restaurants. Pink flower arrangements greet guests at various locations throughout the palace.

Awareness with Sweet Touches

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul also makes you feel the awareness with sweet touches. A giant pink chocolate model of Çırağan Palace, prepared by the chefs of the palace patisserie, greets guests in the lobby. In addition, the proceeds of all products sold in the “Fit Flavors” category, which includes pink ruby ​​madeleine chocolates in the shape of the Çırağan Palace and the Historical Gate, as well as sugar-free flavors, offered on the hotel’s online shopping site, Çırağan Palace Shop, are donated to MEMEDER at the end of the month. At the Gazebo Restaurant There are awareness-raising information cards on all tables, Throughout the month, pink baklava is served with tea, and pink madeleine chocolates depicting the Çırağan Palace silhouette are served with coffee. 

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul General Manager and Kempinski Residences Turkey Regional Director Ralph RadtkeCommenting on this year's collaboration, MEMEDER said, "This project, which we've been carrying out with MEMEDER for 11 years, is incredibly valuable to us every October, raising public awareness and reminding us of the importance of early diagnosis. Our collaboration serves our purpose of raising awareness not only to our hotel guests from around the world, but to the entire community. We are proud to support this meaningful project alongside our guests and staff, under the rosy lights of Çırağan Palace."

MEMEDER Founder, Honorary President and Senologic International Society President Prof. Dr. Vahit Özmen Prof. Dr. Özmen emphasized that breast cancer, the most common cancer in women both in Türkiye and globally, is preventable and treatable through early diagnosis. Emphasizing the vital importance of raising women's awareness on this issue, Prof. Dr. Özmen commented on the collaboration: “While breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, it is a preventable and treatable disease. Therefore, women need to be more aware of the importance of early diagnosis. Our long-standing collaboration with Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers us extraordinary opportunities to reach more women and raise awareness. Thanks to the palace's pink lights, organized activities, and informative campaigns, we are making a significant impact on society. I thank the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul management for these valuable contributions.”

Leman Otru, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MEMEDER "Over the course of our valuable 11-year collaboration, the Breast Cancer awareness events we've organized with Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul have allowed us to reach more women each year and raise public awareness of this important issue. Our shared journey has not only resulted in organizing events, but also left a lasting impact on society, taking a significant step forward in raising awareness of women's health. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul management and all its employees have made significant contributions to this process. I thank them for their support in this long-term partnership. Together, we will continue our efforts to touch the lives of many more women and further raise public awareness of breast cancer."

Source: HORECA Trend and Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul