Whether it’s during my travels around the world or when I blog on issues ranging from the environment to youth, I realize how important corporate citizenship is to our customers and associates around the world.

-J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott’s “Spirit to Serve Our Communities" program is an important part of the company’s culture. This initiative focuses on the following key needs, both in Washington, DC and around the world:

S - Shelter and Food
E - Environment
R - Readiness for Hotel Careers
V - Vitality of Children
E - Embracing Global Diversity and Inclusion

For over 25 years, Marriott has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network to raise more than $66 million for local children’s hospitals. Marriott employees raised over $300,000 for Children's National Medical Center in 2008.  The largest fundraisers are held in collaboration with guests, business partners and employees, who organize golf tournaments and other events. 

In addition to financial and in-kind giving, Marriott employees volunteer their time. In early May, employees gathered in the atrium of Children’s National for their annual "Spirit to Serve Our Communities" day. Patients created art projects, played games and enjoyed an afternoon of laughter. Marriott International, Inc. is a leading worldwide hospitality company founded in 1927 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Today it includes over 3,000 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories and a portfolio of 17 brands.