The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) applauded its Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) and local chapters for their contributions to the ASTAPAC Charitable Matching Program. Over $20,000 was given in charity across the U.S. last year.

For 2014, the biggest change to charitable efforts is that individual PAC donors of $1,000 or more will able to direct matching funds equivalent to 50 percent of their contribution to the charity of their choice.

Seven ASTA chapters were awarded charitable contributions totaling over $20,000. The past year’s charitable awards went to the following chapters: the Midwest, Arizona, Upper Midwest, Hawaii, Long Island and Southern California and New York City.

Some of the charities that benefited included the Chicago Night Ministry, Arizona Humane Society, Armed Forces Service Center, Aloha United Way, Friends of the Arts LBSD, Fred Jordan Missions, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Covenant House.

“The Charitable Matching Program strengthens ASTA’s advocacy efforts while allowing our members to give back to their local communities,” said Zane Kerby, CEO and president. “Thanks to the active support of the CAC and our chapter leadership, it has been an unqualified success on both fronts.”

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