Marriott International 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, 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 $500,000 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.
  The Marriott family foundation has made a challenge grant to match,
dollar-for-dollar, all contributions to the Marriott & Ritz-Carlton Disaster
Relief Fund received by March 1, 2006, up to a maximum of $1 million.  The
company’s $500,000 contribution to this Fund is not included in the
Foundation’s challenge grant.  Company associates, owners, franchisees,
business partners, customers, guests or those wishing to double their own
contributions toward associate assistance are invited to donate to the
Marriott & Ritz-Carlton Disaster Relief Fund.
  Separately, the Marriott family has pledged an additional $1 million
toward longer-term disaster relief efforts, with the recipient organizations
to be determined as the greatest needs are identified.
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