Rebuilding Together Joins Choice Hotels to Support the NFL Player Care Foundation to Assist NFL Alumni In-Need

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas, an affiliate of the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, has joined Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) to support the NFL Player Care Foundation and deliver critical home renovations to a member of the NFL family, Dallas Cowboys' Alumni Robert Newhouse.

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Robert Newhouse was a notable Dallas Cowboys running back for 12 years, and helped his team play in three Super Bowls over the course of his career. His success was celebrated throughout the Dallas and NFL communities, and Mr. Newhouse ended his career as the third all-time leading rusher in team history. Mr. Newhouse, although now retired, still loyally dedicates his time and works with the Dallas Cowboys. He has recently suffered serious health complications, which require him to use a cane or wheelchair to walk, and is in need of assistance to rehabilitate his family's home.

Choice Hotels, the official Hospitality Sponsor for several Rebuilding Together events, is supporting Rebuilding Together's partnership with the NFL Player Care foundation in sponsoring the refurbishment of the Newhouse family's home needs as Mr. Newhouse recovers from recent health obstacles that have kept him from making improvements to his home. The work scope includes a new bathroom, appliance upgrades, and other exterior and interior improvements.

"Choice Hotels is thrilled to partner with Rebuilding Together and support the NFL Player Care Foundation on such an important project," said Kelly Kane, executive director of the Choice Hotels International Foundation and senior director of corporate communications for Choice Hotels. "It's great to see both Mr. Newhouse's Dallas and NFL peers unite to make sure his family continues to live independently and safely, and pay tribute to a fabulous Dallas citizen. We are also happy to continue our ongoing work with Rebuilding Together; our program 'Room to Rebuild' has served hundreds of homeowners across the country."

Choice Hotels is mobilizing the volunteers for the rebuild project, as well as providing the necessary funds to complete the entire project. The NFL Player Care Foundation, dedicated to serving NFL Alumni in need, is engaging current and past NFL players to assist a fellow teammate on this home project.

"We are very appreciative of Rebuilding Together and Choice Hotels support and dedication to helping retired players in need and look forward to working with them on future builds and refurbishments," said Belinda Lerner, Executive Director, NFL Player Care Foundation.

To learn more about Rebuilding Together or the Rebuilding Together Dallas affiliate visit RebuildingTogether.org or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether.

ABOUT CHOICE HOTELS

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,000 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories.  As of December 31, 2010, more than 500 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 40,000 rooms, and more than 100 hotels, representing approximately 9,000 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in 18 other countries and territories.  The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide.  In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

ABOUT NFL PLAYER CARE FOUNDATION (PCF)

The NFL PCF is an independent 501 (c) (3) charity organization dedicated to helping retired players improve their quality of life providing programs and assistance for medical, emotional, financial, social and community issues.  Through the cooperation of the  NFL, the NFL Alumni Association, NFL Players Association, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, PCF provides  charitable grants that support research and offer relief to disadvantaged and distressed retired players.  PCF offers  a number of programs for former players including: NFL Joint Replacement Program, cardiovascular and prostate screenings, Spine Treatment Program, Neurological care, and  a partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine to provide comprehensive mental health care information. The  NFL PCF is an independent 501 c (3) organization.

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER

Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place and gulf coast reconstruction. For more information, visit RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together