BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 16, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Hilton Garden Inn(R) hotels are planting the seeds of knowledge with elementary school children across North America to show them how education can be a growing experience. With nearly 140 hotels located in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Hilton Garden Inn has established a relationship with the National Gardening Association to develop a community outreach program to teach children about the many facets of gardening and its importance to the global environment.
The Hilton Garden Inn School Garden Education Program provides guidance and knowledge to educators and hotel team members alike on how to create a successful indoor or outdoor garden learning experience. By using a hands-on approach to grow their school garden, students have the opportunity to take ownership and pride in an educational project that continues to grow right along with their learning.

“Each of our Hilton Garden Inn hotels wants to be an active member in the communities in which they serve,” said Adrian Kurre, senior vice president—brand management, Hilton Garden Inn. “The Hilton Garden Inn School Garden Education Program is an excellent way to teach children about several school subjects, like science, math and social studies, in a fun way. This project also teaches children some very important life lessons—how teamwork and creativity can work hand in hand to inspire tomorrow`s leaders to take pride in the work they do today.”

The National Gardening Association worked with Hilton Garden Inn to develop a special education package, with almost all of the tools necessary for Hilton Garden Inn team members and the participating schools to grow an indoor or outdoor garden. Each participating Hilton Garden Inn location will donate this education package to their local school, provide personal teamwork and dedication, and grow this special relationship of a school garden together.

The indoor education package allows students and teachers to raise vegetables, flowers and herbs right in the classroom with a space-saving indoor light garden and windowsill herb kit. The outdoor education package features tools, specially designed for kids, and books describing how to cultivate a garden, create compost to successfully grow herbs, vegetables and flowers, and build habitat elements in a garden, such as raising flower seeds for birds and building feeders.

“Growing a school garden will teach future generations about the importance of the environment in which they live, while creating a beautiful setting,” said Valerie Kelsey, president, National Gardening Association. “The garden will generate pride among the students and provide a wholesome activity that makes valuable connections between major education disciplines, spark inquisitiveness and enhance problem-solving skills. We are truly appreciative of Hilton Garden Inn and their dedication to such a worthwhile program.”

Some Hilton Garden Inn hotels have already begun planning their school gardens to begin this spring, while other hotels will work with schools in the summer and fall.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, the National Gardening Association, based in South Burlington, Vt., is a non-profit organization committed to educating our youth about the importance of gardening and environmental responsibility. Through gardening, NGA promotes the advance of multi-disciplinary learning and scientific literacy and creates partnerships that restore and enhance communities.

The Hilton Garden Inn brand is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,000 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world`s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(TM), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Harrison Conference Centers(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Company(R), and Homewood Suites(R) by Hilton.

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