Mary Taube, a resident of McLean, Virginia and co-director of GEARUP, a federal grant program that motivates disadvantaged middle school-age children to attend college, is the grand prize winner of the “Get Together Sweepstakes,” sponsored by Choice Hotels International, (NYSE:CHH), one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors.

As grand prize winner of the “Get Together Sweepstakes,” Taube, who works as co-director of the GEARUP program at the Glasgow Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia, wins a trip for ten family members and friends to any Choice brand hotel location of her choosing within the continental United States. The “Get Together Sweepstakes” grand prize includes airfare, accommodations for four nights, and $500 in spending money per person.

“This is one of the nicest things I could win because I can share it with my family,” said Taube, who has never won a prize before in her life.

Taube, her husband, three sons, three sisters and brother-in-law are planning a trip to California later in the year.

In addition to the grand prize, the “Get Together Sweepstakes” will award ten first prize winners with digital cameras to record special occasions with family and friends.

The “Get Together Sweepstakes” was inspired by the national longing to reach out to family and friends in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy. “E-mail, phone calls or faxes are not enough. Being there is what counts,” said Wayne Wielgus, Choice Hotels` senior vice president, marketing. The `Get Together` Sweepstakes was a tangible way for Choice Hotels and our franchisees to bring families and friends together.”
The sweepstakes was a random drawing available to guests staying at any of the 3,300 Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand hotels in the U.S. and the Caribbean between September 16, 2002 and January 31, 2003. Contestants entered the sweepstakes at www.choicehotels.com. No purchase was necessary to enter.

Choice Hotels International is the one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors with more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 42 countries. Its Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide.

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