FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact: John Wang 714-248-6789 

Email: john.wang@johnsonhospitalitygroup.com 

Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta and MilVet Turn $5,000 Choice Hotels Grant into $10,000 for Local Veterans at “Waffles for Heroes” Fundraiser Brunch 

MURRIETA, CA (February 20, 2026) — Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta and MilVet celebrated a major fundraising milestone on February 20, 2026, raising a total of $10,000 to support local veterans and military families through a community brunch event titled “Comfort Waffles for Heroes.” 

The event built upon the Choice Hotels “Your Community, Your Choice” grant , which awarded $5,000 to MilVet , a local nonprofit recognized for providing direct, practical support for veterans and their families. To help double the impact, Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta contributed a $2,500 matching grant , dollar-for-dollar, inspiring additional community giving and quickly bringing the total effort to $10,000 . 

In attendance were several community and industry leaders, including Ron Holliday , Mayor Pro Tem of Murrieta (2026) Cindy Warren (Murrieta Mayor, 2025) , Patrick Ellis (CEO, Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce) , Michelle Masters (Regional Vice President, Choice Hotels) , Monica Sclar (Area Director, Choice Hotels) , Reginald Nielsen (Area Director, Choice Hotels) , and Jyoti Sarolia (Former Chairwoman, Choice Hotels Owners Council) . 

Guests also enjoyed a classic car show featuring a display of antique and collector vehicles, adding a celebratory, family-friendly atmosphere to the fundraiser brunch. John Wang Managing Member of Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta, California , expressed his appreciation for the community’s support and shared a personal message of gratitude toward veterans and military families. 

“On an ordinary night at home, I once heard distant booms that turned out to be Disneyland fireworks,” said Wang. “But it hit me: that same sound in a war zone would mean danger and survival. That contrast reminded me how much of our everyday peace is protected by extraordinary people. This event is our tangible way of saying thank you — and of backing that gratitude with real support.” 

Wang also referenced a formative experience from 2011 , when he was managing Quality Inn Route 66 in Barstow, California , near the Fort Irwin National Training Center , where he witnessed firsthand the challenges military families face during relocations and housing transitions — a perspective that continues to shape his commitment to veteran support initiatives. 

$10,000 proceeds from the fundraiser will support MilVet’s mission of providing hands-on assistance such as groceries through veteran pantry services, emergency gas cards for critical appointments, and support programs that help stabilize and uplift military families in the community. 

JOHN WANG ADDITIONAL QUOTE ON: 

On Why This Event Matters 

“We didn’t want to just pass through a $5,000 grant. We wanted to double it to $10,000 total. ” 

On Doubling the Impact 

“When Choice Hotels awarded the $5,000 ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ grant, I asked myself — how do we turn this into something bigger? The answer was simple: match it, rally the community, and make it $10,000l.” 

On Supporting Veterans 

“Our veterans defend freedom overseas. The least we can do is defend their dignity at home.” 

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About MilVet MilVet is a local nonprofit serving veterans and military families through practical, direct support programs designed to meet urgent needs and strengthen community well-being.

About Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta is a Choice Hotels property committed to community partnership and local impact, serving travelers and supporting initiatives that strengthen the region. 41005 California Oaks Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562 | Phone: 714-678-6789