Christel DeHaan, well known in the timeshare and travel and tourism industries, is an advocate of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Her message of giving back and making a difference has been delivered at conferences and lectures at home and abroad. She ardently embraces the philosophy of "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" (Maimonides, 12th century philosopher). Her own philosophy is manifested in her belief and practice: "To care, to share, to make a difference."
Ms. DeHaan co-founded Resort Condominiums International (RCI) in 1974 and sold the company in 1996. Under her leadership, RCI became the largest vacation exchange provider in the world.
In 1998 she founded Christel House-a registered, 501(c) (3) public charity to help children break the cycle of poverty, realize their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their societies. To do so, we must address the systemic causes of poverty—lack of education, health care, opportunity, skills, self-confidence and human dignity.
She holds several honorary doctorate degrees, serves on several boards and is the recipient of numerous national and local awards.
"What you have achieved through your work is the very example of holistic human investment; engaging our most valuable resource-young people-as thoughtful, creative intellectuals."
-Rhea Mokuno, Director, Listen Up!
