BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:  MAR) and The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the Marriott family's private foundation, announced today they will each contribute $250,000 for a total donation of $500,000 to hurricane relief.  Half will be donated to the American Red Cross to help meet immediate community needs that will broadly benefit Marriott associates, their families, friends and neighbors.  An additional $250,000 is earmarked for longer-term recovery efforts.  

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"Our thoughts and prayers are with those still impacted by this massive storm, especially those who have experienced power outages, extensive property damage or worse," said President and Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson.  "Nearly 10,000 associates representing Marriott hotels work in the hard-hit New York and New Jersey regions, and a number of these associates have suffered significant damage to their homes or are still without power." 

"We are proud of our associates and their extraordinary 'Spirit to Serve' dedication to their fellow associates, hotel guests and communities in this time of need.  We are doing all we can to support their needs and their communities," said J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., executive chairman of Marriott International and trustee of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

Currently two Marriott-branded hotels and one Ritz-Carlton hotel remain closed in New York.  These hotels are working diligently to reopen as quickly as possible. 

Marriott is encouraging Marriott Rewards members to donate points for contributions to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Members donate millions of points each year in support of charitable organizations like the Red Cross which align with Marriott's community engagement strategy.

As part of their "Spirit to Serve," Marriott associates have been donating blood, conducting fundraising drives, providing assistance in the community and protecting guests and properties during and in the aftermath of the storm.

Updates regarding the storm's impact on our hotels will be provided on www.news.marriott.com.

For information regarding reservations, please call (800) 228-9290. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about the impact of the storm should call the Marriott International toll-free number in their country.

IRPR#1

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.