Ritz-Carlton to offer "Meaningful Meanings"

A new initiative offered by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has introduced “Meaningful Meetings,” an opportunity for groups booking ten or more room nights at any Ritz-Carlton hotel or resort in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean to have ten percent of the total room revenue donated equally to a charity of their choice, and to causes supported by Community Footprints, the social responsibility program sponsored by The Ritz-Carlton. Applicable to meetings booked between September 28 and December 31, 2007 - for events taking place prior to December 30, 2008, based upon program availability.

“We know many groups that select to stay at a Ritz-Carlton are supporters of charitable organizations, and we believe the “Meaningful Meetings” program will be embraced by many clients as a way to give something to a worthy cause, while at the same time knowing their meeting will receive the attention to detail we are known for when it comes to caring for the needs of our group clientele,” said Bruce Himelstein, sr. vice president, sales and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton.

Donations will be made directly by The Ritz-Carlton to the group’s charity of choice and to the Community Footprints Fund which benefits hunger and poverty relief, education and development for disadvantaged youth, and environmental conservation.

“Since Ritz-Carlton has built a highly effective program of social responsibility through its Community Footprints efforts, we understand and appreciate how important it is for the hospitality industry to give back to the community and other philanthropic groups which are doing so much to improve the lives of those less fortunate around the world,” added Himelstein.

A marketing campaign will begin immediately to inform groups of the “Meaningful Meetings” initiative and the special advantages to support a charity when future meetings are booked at any Ritz-Carlton in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa is located at the base of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains, just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The 392-room hotel offers two restaurants, a full-service Spa, The Bar, and historic ballrooms. Recreation facilities include three tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Lush gardens highlight the 23 acres of the hotel grounds, including The Horseshoe and Japanese Gardens. For reservations, call toll free (800) 241-3333, a travel professional, The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa directly at (626) 568-3900 or visit the Web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.