Residence Inn Partners with American Red Cross to Provide Disaster Relief to Families Nationwide

BETHESDA, Md., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. From house fires to hurricanes and tornadoes, disasters can leave people stranded without a home and in need of aid. The American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program helps people get back on their feet after the unexpected happens.  Residence Inn by Marriott announced today that it is honored to join the Red Cross in this vital effort by becoming the first official hotel partner of the program.

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"As an extended stay brand, our hotels are in touch with displaced families all the time. We understand their needs, both physical and psychological. We have the right facilities to help them feel at home as they try to regain stability in their lives," said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager for Residence Inn.  "Our associates are proud to help make a difference in their communities every day and this multi-faceted partnership with the American Red Cross is a perfect extension of that commitment that allows them to do even more nationwide."

As a hotel partner in the Disaster Responder Program, Residence Inn will support the Red Cross relief efforts and raise awareness about disaster preparedness and response through its various communications channels. In addition, associates at more than 600 Residence Inn hotels across the country now have the opportunity to get hands-on involvement by fulfilling and delivering aid kits to families coping with disasters in communities nationwide. The aid kits include basic necessities, such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap.

"Nearly 200 times a day, Red Cross volunteers help families that have lost everything in a house fire or other kinds of disasters," said Court Ogilvie, Vice President of Joint Account Management, American Red Cross. "Our partnership with Residence Inn by Marriott helps enable the Red Cross to continue to respond immediately to these disasters and bring emergency relief, comfort and care to those in need."  

To kick off our partnership with the Red Cross, Residence Inn launched today a "Tweet for Relief" Twitter application. For every tweet that someone sends from www.RIRelief.com, Residence Inn will donate $5 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, up to $200,000 for assistance of families affected by disasters.  As tweets can be up to 140 characters, the app automatically applies unused characters to add a message about how the tweeter supports disaster relief. Check out www.RIRelief.com for more details!

This exciting partnership is an element of Marriott International's "Spirit to Serve" culture, encouraging guests and associates to participate in initiatives that give back to their communities. 

About Residence Inn by Marriott

With more than 600 properties in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Central America, Residence Inn by Marriott is a leader in the extended-stay lodging segment. Designed for long stays, the brand offers spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Fully functional kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets and complimentary breakfast help guests maintain a healthy balance while on the road. Complimentary Wi-Fi allows guests to stay connected to the home and office, while health and fitness options and inviting lobby spaces provide comfortable places to work and relax. 

Residence Inn participates in the company's award-winning Marriott Rewards^® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations,call the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131 or visit www.residenceinn.com. For travel tips, the latest on the brand or to connect with other travelers, "like" Residence Inn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/residenceinn and follow Residence Inn on Twitter: twitter.com/residenceinn.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Residence Inn by Marriott