Salt Lake City - 2002 - First Lady Laura Bush today commended a new alliance between Senior Corps and Marriott Senior Living Services to enlist volunteers and promote volunteer service among the residents of over 150 Marriott senior living communities throughout the United States. Accompanied by Utah First Lady Jacalyn Leavitt, Mrs. Bush visited the Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Community in Salt Lake City.

Working with local Senior Corps projects, more than 22,000 Marriott residents will have the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to meet a variety of needs in their local communities. Marriott Senior Living Services is the first senior living provider to collaborate with Senior Corps on a national level.

“Since September 11, I have seen many examples of kindness and compassion in America,” said Laura Bush. “President Bush has called on every American to dedicate at least two years over their lives to serving their neighbors and nation. Older Americans have a lifetime of skills and experience to meet community needs, and this new alliance will help more seniors answer the President’s call to service.”

Senior Corps, a part of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, engages Americans age 55 and over in service that meets social needs in their communities. More than half a million Americans currently serve through Senior Corps as Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, or RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called for an additional 100,000 Senior Corps volunteers to strengthen and rebuild America`s communities as part of his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Senior Corps is a perfect fit for our residents,” said Jeff Ferguson, executive vice president of Marriott Senior Living Services. “Many residents are already active in their communities working with local schools, mentoring programs, conservation efforts and relief organizations. Our alliance with Senior Corps will facilitate matching our seniors’ talents, skills and years of experience with additional volunteer opportunities.”

“Marriott has a long tradition of community involvement, and we welcome the many residents who are eager to join the ranks of Senior Corps,” said Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “The Marriott seniors will be part of a large and growing Senior Corps that is helping solve problems and meet vital needs across America. President Bush has made a special call to America’s seniors to serve their country, and we’re delighted to be working with Marriott senior living residents to help answer that call.”

While touring Brighton Gardens, Mrs. Bush also observed a demonstration of the new Senior Corps online recruitment system at www.seniorcorps.org, which matches seniors with volunteer opportunities in their communities. Following the tour, Mrs. Bush gave the closing keynote address at the 2002 National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service. More than 3,000 nonprofit leaders attended the annual conference.

Marriott Senior Living Services is a division of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR). The collaboration with Senior Corps falls under Marriott’s Spirit To Serve Our Communities companywide effort. In 2001, Spirit To Serve Our Communities generated approximately $4 million in donations and fund raising.

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