Public Relations Manager, Lavern Stevens, said that “Throughout 2012 a series of donations and activities have been planned as the resort continues to strive to assist the community it calls home.”

Stevens said the hotel is honoured to be part of St. Kitts and their associates feel proud to participate in activities that serve to improve the community.

The hotel official indicated that Marriott International has a proud tradition of supporting the cities, towns and neighborhoods around the globe that it calls home. “Spirit to Serve” is an intensely hands-on philosophy, based on a 75 year legacy of supporting the communities where it does business, they explained.

She said, not only is this St. Kitts and Nevis hotel supporting local organizations, but it is also providing valuable activities in St. Kitts. Recently a total of 11 students from the Clarence Fitzroy College spent six weeks at the hotel. During their time at the hotel, the students learned about the culinary arts and gained hospitality industry experience. This outreach program began in November 2005 and has become an annual staple at the resort.

Other learning institutions throughout the island have also benefitted from the resort’s generosity, including the Washington Archibald School, the Dean Glasford Primary, and the Dieppe Bay Primary School.

A book drive was held for the Charles A Halbert Public Library. The resort collected over 300 books contributed by associates of the resort. A new sign was painted and mounted for the library also during that time.

“If giving back feels good, then that must mean one St. Kitts hotel is feeling great”, said the hotel spokesperson.

This year, (2012), marks one of the St. Kitts and Nevis hotel’s most active years, sponsoring local charities, making donations to local organizations and reaching out to groups.

The Marriott hotel supports the following St. Kitts businesses and organizations:

• The Ripple Institute is an operational arm of the Outreach Foundation, a non-profit community development company. The institute endeavors to influence social change in St Kitts/Nevis through youth programs.
• AVEC is a post-secondary training institute whose core objective is to develop young people to become productive and positive citizens.
• Ade’s Place is a non- profit organization which provides training and care for adults with special needs, their maintenance comes through the forms of donations and fund raisers held throughout the entire year.
• Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation is an extremely active organization throughout the community whose aim to educate the general public, while providing assistance to those afflicted with this terrible disease.