BETHESDA, Md., March 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In partnership with Fresh Artists, SpringHill Suites by Marriott is proud to announce it has raised nearly $100,000 for under-resourced schools in the first two years of the partnership. Last month, hundreds of SpringHill Suites' General Managers delivered their hotel's donations to area schools in the form of art supplies.

SpringHill Suites recognizes the importance of art education having been cited by Americans for the Arts to promote young students' self-esteem and confidence, and also aid in both social and academic development. The brand deepened its longstanding passion for the arts, announcing in October 2013, a national partnership with Fresh Artists, a non-profit organization that brings quality art supplies and innovative art programs to teachers in need, to provide art materials to local schools in communities across North America. The brand has since launched fundraising campaigns each year, encouraging hotel guests and community members to make donations in exchange for beautifying a colorful palette displayed in the lobby, thereby creating art themselves. This year, the highest grossing hotel, the SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista in South Carolina, raised more than $4,000.

"We are inspired by Fresh Artists' commitment to art education and are honored to partner with such a dynamic charity," said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager for SpringHill Suites. "Their values align with our passion for serving local communities through artistic development, and we're very proud to contribute to the youth art community in a meaningful and compelling way."

This year, the brand invited Fresh Artists to participate in its bi-annual General Managers Conference in Washington, D.C. More than 300 General Managers worked together to create Chip Art Carts, which serve as ready-made art activities that teachers can provide their students. The Art Carts will be delivered to Washington, D.C. area schools, Fresh Artist's Philadelphia area schools and local schools of the top six fundraising hotels in the coming weeks.

SpringHill Suites' Save Art! Program is part of the brand's ongoing commitment to the celebration and promotion of local art and artisans. Since its inception in 2010, its award winning ArtNight program has transformed SpringHill Suites lobbies into galleries by providing local artists, students and schools, opportunities to showcase their artwork for the community in a public setting. Over the last five years, SpringHill Suites has showcased more than 2,000 pieces of artwork in their lobbies across the country.

For more information on the Save Art! program and SpringHill Suites, visit www.springhillsuites.com.

About SpringHill Suites by Marriott

SpringHill Suites is designed for both the business and leisure traveler, offering modern amenities and stylish spaces at more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Amenities include sleek, modernly appointed lobbies with free Wi-Fi; suites with dedicated work spaces, free Wi-Fi and ergonomic chairs; kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges and coffee service; and pool, spa and fitness centers with free weights and cardio equipment. At the cutting edge of consumer engagement, SpringHill Suites is the winner of a 2013 Platinum Adrian Award for Digital Marketing and a 2014 Gold Ex Award. SpringHill Suites participates in the 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 SpringHill Suites toll-free number at 888-287-9400, visit www.springhillsuites.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/springhillsuites or follow the brand at www.twitter.com/springhillsuite.

About Fresh Artists

Fresh Artists is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that provides art supplies and programs to under-resourced public schools. In exchange for financial contributions, corporations and individuals receive gifts of high-quality reproductions of student-donated art. Since 2008, the talent and generosity of more than 1000 young artist-philanthropists has delivered the value of more than $500,000 in supplies and programs to schools in 40 states.  Large-scale reproductions have been installed in more than 200 corporate facilities, hospitals and hotels. Visit www.freshartists.org.

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SOURCE SpringHill Suites by Marriott

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