Marriott International Pledge $3 Million to Support Hurricane Katrina Relief

Marriott International, Inc. and the Marriott family´s private foundation, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, have pledged a total of $3 million to aid employees and victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“Hurricane Katrina has caused heartbreaking loss for the people of the Gulf Coast region, including our associates, their families and their communities,” said J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc. “Our company and the Marriott family extend our deepest sympathy and concern to all those affected by this tragedy.”

The company has contributed half a million dollars to the American Red Cross to help all in the affected communities and has also established the Marriott & Ritz- Carlton Disaster Relief Fund under the auspices of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, a charitable organization, and made an initial $500,000 donation.

This newly-established fund allows the company, associates, owners, franchisees, business partners, customers and others to financially assist Marriott & Ritz-Carlton managed and franchised associates affected by significant disasters in communities where we live and work.