As Albert Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." As much as I love my job with Marriott, what gives me great pleasure is knowing what we can do for our communities around the world.
Tonight, here in Washington, I'll be attending the annual fundraising gala for Bridges-from school to work. It's a program operated by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. My brother Richard is the foundation's chairman. Bridges trains young people in the U.S. with physical and mental challenges to move into jobs where they can get tremendous satisfaction. It's a cause I care deeply about. Tonight's gala is extra special because former Secretary of State Colin Powell will be the featured speaker. He and I share a passion for helping kids facing tremendous challenges in life.
We expect to raise close to a million dollars tonight. This means Bridges will be able to help an additional 240 young people with disabilities achieve meaningful employment after high school this year. Without Bridges, these young people might not have an opportunity to join the work force and contribute back to their communities.
The key to the success of Bridges is the employers. We'll recognize Sunrise Senior Living Services as our employer of the year. Sunrise has hired 16 young people with disabilities through Bridges here in the Washington area. They plan to expand the program nationally. Two of the young people they've hired have gone on to receive their Nursing Assistant certification. That's a great achievement. We'll also be honoring Lydia Plummer-Alleyne with a leadership award for hiring six young adults through Bridges at her company IMC Kevric, and we'll also recognize Timothy Acton for youth achievement. He's working at our Bethesda North Marriott hotel just outside of Washington, D.C.
Unfortunately, there are too many kids in need. By coming together, we're trying to meet these and other challenges. In addition to our honorees, I'm grateful that more than 170 companies around the United States are partnering with us to make tonight's event a success, generously supporting this wonderful cause.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Tim Acton is my brother. I am so proud of him and I thank the Marriott and the Bridges program for being there and giving my little brother (not so little anymore) a change to be the hardworking, caring, gentleman that he is. He loves his job there, and his love of work and pride in his job inspires me everyday to do better and be thankful for what I have and be a better person. Thank you again for the honor and award you have given Tim, he is truly a symbol of success and hard work.
Posted by: Sarah Bland | 06/25/2007 at 04:34 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
You might take a look at the fine work that Ken's Kids provides for the Home Depots in the Philadelphia and New York areas. Their complete program includes monthly training and social events to provide the young adults a solid foundation to enhance their self worth and productivity in the work place. Some of their adults have been working for over six years. Keep up the good work. Blessings to you this day.
Posted by: Steve Graves | 06/25/2007 at 02:22 AM
After watching the recent story on Bill Marriott on ABC's 'Nightline,' I was astonished. As a former Marriott employee who watched how vehemently Marriott continuously fought our union representatives for even the slightest employee incentives, the 'Nightline' story was laughable. If Bill Marriott wants to truly be hands-on, he'd was teach his managers that descent wages and sustainable healthcare aren't perks, they're essentials in today's world. Maybe Mr. Marriott Mormon faith and moral ethics don't extend to union negiotations. The hypocrisy of the 'Nightline' story is the epitome of what is wrong with the state of affairs in the U.S.
Posted by: Anthony | 06/23/2007 at 02:11 PM
I have just discovered that Marriott will be the hotel taking over the St Pancras Midland Grand Hotel in November this year. I am so pleased kit is being restored and not demolished as my grandmother used to work there many years ago before it closed so it holds great sentimental value for me. I understand the refurbishment will keep the style of the original Gothic architecture and I look forward to seeing the hotel back in its former glory. Thank you.
Posted by: Denise Edwards | 06/23/2007 at 06:13 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott:
I must give my hat off to you for your shared community involvement. I once read that Bill Gates read every email that he received from his employees, and I took a strong note of this practice with the question: Why? Though not a scientist, I can say that there are formulas within the human sphere waiting to be generated from those who understand the principle and the Power of two simple words, "I Care."
We are in an exciting time for those who have the fortitude and assertiveness to stand for and on the behalf of others, especially those without a voice. I embrace Gibran belief that giving is a gift and those who wrestle and unearth its truth are the possessors of the earth and synchronize with nature's pace of life.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to keep Marriott on the Move.
Posted by: Juliette Adams | 06/15/2007 at 01:34 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
It is wonderful to see your dedicated and committed involvement in the community. I share that same passion in the area of Autism, so much so that I am writing my extended essay for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma on it with the development of a community development project. As you may already know, Autism is a rising epidemic, with statistics changing and ratios increasing. It is in this vein that I work towards a brighter future in the arena of autism and childhood diseases. Are you aware of the nearly one billion dollars was given to Autism research and funding under the Combating Autism Act and April has been dedicated as National Autism Month? It is people like you who take the time to share that make a difference and inspire other to make a difference too. I trust that somewhere on my journey, I will harness the support of Marriott. I will send you a copy of my essay, so you will see my enlightened perspective on the issue.
Once again, keep up the excellent work and thank you for allowing me to keep Marriott on the Move.
Posted by: Terica Adams | 06/15/2007 at 01:33 AM
Mr. Marriott, Thank you for your work on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities. I work for an organization that supports over 1,700 individuals with disabilities and persons such as yourself strenghthen the advocacy calling for these wonderful individuals. I live close to the Ross Bridge Renaissance Resort in Birmingham and vowed to never go back after several bad experiences there with the Golf Pro. Reading your blog and realizing your efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities, I will reconsider. Thanks again very, very much! Keith Ensey
Posted by: Keith Ensey | 06/13/2007 at 02:35 PM
Dear Mr. Marriott, I want to thank you and your brother for your efforts to raise money and more importantly, hire indiviuals from "Bridges - from school to work". Your company is a prime example in the use of diversity, including the employment of citizens with disabilities. I want to thank you for your efforts in this area. As a platinum member for many years, I will continue to use your company as my first choice for overnight accomadations. Also, how can our family donate to the great program "Bridges-from school to work"? Thanks
Ken and Leslie Michalzuk
Posted by: Kenneth Michalzuk | 06/13/2007 at 02:20 PM
I read your blog, and I hope you can make a same thing in my country, because in my country (jakarta ) there are so many children in the street almost in every traffic lights. I'm so sad to see them,( I have a daughter also ) and if you have any program to make a free education for them I would like you to know I'm the first person to volounteer my self to give my skill for them. Because the things that I could share is only my Skill.
God Bless you Anytime, anywhere.
Kind regards
Eko Priyono
Posted by: Eko Priyono | 06/13/2007 at 01:29 PM
What a wonderful program. Marriott, and yourself of course, certainly follow the dictum Noblesse Oblige. Bridges is certainly welcome to have their logo and a link to their web site posted on our Giving Grove pages of messageintheforest.com where all 501c3 organizations can post at no cost. Best of luck in the fundraising efforts!
Posted by: Charlene Kull | 06/13/2007 at 04:56 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott, may I first say that you and your associates are as amazing as your hotels and resorts. I find it so refreshing that you give so much back and make a difference in so many lives who otherwise would not have these opportunities. I truly believe that God blesses those who are obedient to his work and you are a true example. Thank you for the example you set throughout our communities and stepping up to make a difference. Many blessings. Yvette
Posted by: Yvette Skrobot | 06/12/2007 at 11:57 AM