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Read the press release here.

You Can Take A Trip To Cancun AND Help A Chicago Mentoring Program

 Book a trip to Mexico through Vacation for A Purpose and the portion of proceeds will go to local nonprofit The Ideal Candidate.
Book a trip to Mexico through Vacation for A Purpose and the portion of proceeds will go to local nonprofit The Ideal Candidate.
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CHICAGO — Take a vacation for a purpose.

That idea is being pushed by Loop resident Kevin Davenport, founder of the teen mentoring program The Ideal Candidate.

“The concept is literally you deserve a vacation, so why don’t you go on vacation and give back to your community at the same time?” Davenport said.

Guests who take the trip to Qroo, Mexico will stay in the Breathless Resort & Spa in Rivera Maya from June 8-11.

The trip costs $133 per person in upfront fees to reserve a room, which can be booked on Eventbrite. Actual room rates range from $311-$368 per person at the all-inclusive resort. The rooms are based on double occupancy.

Airfare is not included in the price, but transportation to and from the hotel is included.

A portion of the proceeds, 18 percent, will go to The Ideal Candidate

“I was trying to think of innovative and creative ways to bring more awareness and attention to my cause,” Davenport said. “I hate to just ask for money. I like to provide a service with innovative ways to fundraising, so I just thought ‘How cool will it be to vacation and have some type of fundraising aspect to it?’”

Kevin Davenport, founder of The Ideal Candidate, speaks to students. [Provided by Kevin Davenport]

The Ideal Candidate launched a 14-hour program in 2016 to help prepare high school juniors and seniors for life after school. Organizers follow up with them through college. The program focuses on behavior modification, dressing for success, leadership skills, table manners, interviewing and resume skills and improved communication. Each class is two hours long and the program is customized to fit the client.

Since last year, The Ideal Candidate has become a Chicago Public Schools certified vendor, which Davenport said has helped with exposure. Seventeen teens were in the first group to take part in the program.

The program is currently accepting applications for its second group.  It costs $15 an hour or $210 for the full program. More information is at the program's website.

Learn more at Vacationforapurpose.com.