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Celebrating the life of Founder Alan Lewis
“Everyone wants to be a part of something greater than themselves. We believe we can feel connected by giving back, and in doing so, reach our full potential as human beings. This is the great power of our work: Together, we really can change people’s lives.”
—Alan Lewis, Chairman
Alan E. Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Corporation, passed away on November 2, 2022. While his indefatigable spirit and larger-than-life personality will be sorely missed, he leaves behind a profound legacy of changing people’s lives and giving back to the world we share.
Alan purchased Grand Circle in 1985—a fledgling company losing $2 million a year—with a vision far beyond showing travelers the world. He believed in the transformative power of travel—in fostering deep connections with other cultures, showing the “real deal,” and encouraging the moments of epiphany that lie just outside of one’s comfort zone. To Alan, this was never simply “the travel business.” He believed we are in the business of changing people’s lives.
To that end, Alan passionately believed in giving back—in Boston, New Hampshire, and throughout the world traveled by O.A.T. and Grand Circle. In 1981, Alan and his wife Harriet formed the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation (ALFF). Since then, along with O.A.T.’s loyal travelers and ALFF’s partners around the world, ALFF has donated more than $250 million to more than 500 projects in 50 countries. Through Grand Circle Foundation, this work has helped to improve school performance, help small businesses, provide clean water and sanitation, and support indigenous peoples.
Alan’s passion for travel and philanthropy was equaled by his passion to develop leaders. As a leader, he was at his best in times of crisis. He would face the worst the world could throw at him head on, always coming out stronger from the fight. He founded Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development with the motto “Daring leaders to change the world”—and he now leaves behind a legion of courageous leaders who are committed to honoring his vision and legacy by continuing to help change people’s lives and save the Earth we share.
Alan purchased Grand Circle in 1985—a fledgling company losing $2 million a year—with a vision far beyond showing travelers the world. He believed in the transformative power of travel—in fostering deep connections with other cultures, showing the “real deal,” and encouraging the moments of epiphany that lie just outside of one’s comfort zone. To Alan, this was never simply “the travel business.” He believed we are in the business of changing people’s lives.
To that end, Alan passionately believed in giving back—in Boston, New Hampshire, and throughout the world traveled by O.A.T. and Grand Circle. In 1981, Alan and his wife Harriet formed the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation (ALFF). Since then, along with O.A.T.’s loyal travelers and ALFF’s partners around the world, ALFF has donated more than $250 million to more than 500 projects in 50 countries. Through Grand Circle Foundation, this work has helped to improve school performance, help small businesses, provide clean water and sanitation, and support indigenous peoples.
Alan’s passion for travel and philanthropy was equaled by his passion to develop leaders. As a leader, he was at his best in times of crisis. He would face the worst the world could throw at him head on, always coming out stronger from the fight. He founded Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development with the motto “Daring leaders to change the world”—and he now leaves behind a legion of courageous leaders who are committed to honoring his vision and legacy by continuing to help change people’s lives and save the Earth we share.
To honor Alan’s legacy, we have created the Alan E. Lewis Fund through Grand Circle Foundation, which will support conservation and Indigenous groups in the U.S. To make a donation in his memory,
please click here
Giving Back
Learn how Alan helped change people’s lives through the entities below
Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation
Daring Leaders to Change the World
In 1981, Alan and his wife Harriet formed the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation (ALFF), the umbrella organization for their philanthropic entities. Since then, along with O.A.T.’s loyal travelers and ALFF’s partners around the world, ALFF has donated more than $250 million to more than 500 projects in 50 countries.
Grand Circle Foundation
Giving Back to the World We Travel
With a strong focus to improve school performance, help small businesses, provide clean water and sanitation, and support indigenous peoples, Grand Circle Foundation (GCF) has provided financial and leadership support to more than 500 projects in 50 countries around the world.
Pinnacle Leadership and Team Development
You Can Lead From Anywhere
Based at Alnoba, Pinnacle deliberately takes participants out of the office, outside, and out of their comfort zone so they can shake off the complacency and daily grind of the work routine, build trust for better teamwork, and take one more step than they thought they could. Guided by expert organizational advisors, the Pinnacle model helps leaders resolve hot issues, make tough decisions, align their teams, and reconnect with their passion and inspiration.
Alnoba Peace Foundation
Peace Through Higher Consciousness
The Alnoba Peace Foundation exists to inspire, educate and empower humanity to live and lead from the heart. We support activists, artists and thinkers who are creating a narrative that shows us the way to a better future for our children and our planet.
Eastman’s
Local Food, Good People, Strong Community
For years, the lot stood vacant at the main crossroads and scenic byway in Kensington, NH. Worried that another fast food chain would grab the space and claim some of the town’s character, Alan and Harriet bought it in 2012 and built Eastman’s, a year-round community-governed restaurant, farm market, and family gathering place. Across the street, they restored an old barn from the 1800s to its original bones and beauty, transforming it into the Kensington Food Barn to house Eastman’s culinary team.
