LIBERTY  — The tourism industry is a generous bunch.

From providing exceptional hospitality to thousands of guests day in and day out to supporting a variety of causes throughout the year, the members of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) are always there when needed.

And on Friday, the SCVA presented a $7,465.41 check to SALT (Sullivan Agencies Leading Together).

“Every year we choose a not-for-profit to donate our money to,” SCVA President and CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood said. “The money goes to empower our residents.”

In the past, Byron-Lockwood said the proceeds from the SCVA’s Silent Auction has gone to A Single Bite, the Volunteer Fire Service and Ride to Survive.

“We try and match the needs of our residents,” Byron-Lockwood said. “We would like the community to know that the hospitality industry cares by giving back to these organizations.”

The Silent Auction is part of the SCVA’s Annual Meeting and Cocktail Party, which was held at Bethel Woods on December 5.

The auction included such items as a two-night stay at Antrim Streamside, Forestburgh Playhouse dinner and show package, golfing at the Monster Golf Couse, a mid-week stay at the Boarding House with Seminary Hill Cidery and a day with a master beekeeper at Wilkes Apiary in Bethel Woods.

SALT Board Chair Martin Colavito said, “It [the donation] feels like hope. This money will help fund numerous efforts.

“We identify everybody in our county as a neighbor,” Colavito said. “It will help us run our annual community event.”