Dec. 22, 2011--Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has reversed itself and made a $25,000 donation to the Skywalk Memorial Foundation, officials with the memorial fund announced today.

The hotel chain received criticism recently for its decision not to contribute since it no longer operates the hotel where the 1981 disaster occurred, taking the lives of 114 people.

Now the memorial foundation board says the company has made a $25,000 donation toward the memorial project.

"We are very appreciative of the Hyatt's change in thinking," said Frank Freeman, who was injured in the skywalk collapse and is now president of the memorial board. "We hope this contribution, coupled with the Sheraton's donation, will inspire other corporations to step forward.

Hyatt issued this statement:

"Hyatt is proud to have been a member of the Kansas City community for more than 30 years. We hope our contribution to the Skywalk Memorial Foundation helps convey the respect we have for the victims of the tragedy and the pride we feel in our relationship with this great city."

The former Hyatt Regency Hotel became a Sheraton earlier this month.

To reach Matt Campbell call 816-234-7745 or send email to [email protected]

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