I want to tell you about something that really touched me because it speaks volumes about our Marriott culture.
Last summer, my grandson Chris traveled to India where he volunteered at a school and orphanage for more than 120 children of parents with leprosy. It's run by Becky Douglas and she's a friend of Chris, and his mother and father.
When Chris' dad came to visit him in India, they introduced Becky to Ramesh Jackson, the general manager at our Courtyard hotel in Chennai. Ramesh went to visit. He met some artists with leprosy who also live there and was really moved by what he saw and experienced.
Some time later, Ramesh returned and he brought managers from the hotel in India with him. Each manager was paired with an artist, who told their tragic and poignant life stories. Becky said our managers seemed stunned by what they learned. Some were even crying. Ramesh and his team bought 130 paintings. They have been giving them away as special gifts from the hotel.
It's sad that people with leprosy and even their children are stigmatized and treated as outcasts. Typically, they can't even get an education. Becky and her wonderful organization, Rising Star Outreach, provide not only schooling, but also housing, sanitation, good nutrition and clothing. The children are also learning English, which will be their ticket for getting good jobs and breaking the cycle of poverty.
In October, Ramesh and 25 employees volunteered to spend the day at the orphanage. They brought snacks, games and sports equipment. The kids laughed and ran around as they played cricket with our associates. It was such a wonderful and memorable day for the kids and for our people too.
Now, Ramesh and his team plan to visit the orphanage every month and spend the day with the kids. And he's going to bring other business leaders with him.
Some of our associates are going even further. One will lend a hand as a translator in communicating with the sponsors of the orphanage. It's very important and time consuming work. And, as Becky said, "Communicating with our sponsors is like our life blood."
Ramesh and the people who work at the Courtyard in Chennai are helping to brighten the lives of desperate children and decrease the stigma that people with leprosy feel. I am so proud of what they are doing. This truly embodies the Marriott culture of service.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
A Courtyard Hotel in India Helps Lessen the Stigma of Leprosy
I loved reading this story. When I graduated college I traveled through Zambia and volunteered at an orphanage for handicap children as well as a leprosy camp in Northern Zambia. It is hard to believe that his disease still exists. I saw men and women farming with out hands. I saw people struggle to perform daily actities because this awful disease has eaten away parts of their body. The most amazing thing about this experience is that these men and women living with this disease seemed to be the happiest people I have ever met...
It was truly amazing and something I will never forget. This post brought me back to this amazing experience I had during my time in Zambia
Posted by: David H | 01/17/2008 at 02:06 PM
I am glad I read this blog, I dont read many. It made me cry and gave me more hope for our future as a country. I am also proud to say my son works for you. God Bless you and keep up the good work. Vicki
Posted by: Vicki Garner | 01/15/2008 at 07:04 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
It would be interesting to read what do you think about naming Jimmie Paschall as Global Diversity Officer, and what you see as her primary role.
Cordially,
Stjepan
Posted by: Stjepan Skramic | 01/14/2008 at 06:13 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
You must feel proud of your staff. To extend a helping hand to the suffering is the noblest thing anyone can do. When you draw a smile on their faces; when you step into their lives and tell them that you care is honorable and totally decent. Our Lord will return on you bountiful blessings. My family had the honor in sharing in a humanitarian issue as well. Therefore I do know how good it feels. I have a sister that has a bachelor's degree in Musical Arts. She graduated with her name on the honor list majoring in piano. The Lord blessed her with a beautiful voice and this was apparent ever since her early childhood years. She can sing professionally and beautifully in both languages, Arabic and English. An opera singer in Jordan even gave her singing lessons at the Academy where she studied. This summer she had the honor of participating in a humanitarian conference. The Jordanian National Committee for Demining and Reconciliation and through the past decades achieved the tremendous task of stripping land mines from wide areas in Jordan. Those mines were left in the aftermath of wars several decades ago. Before the committee was able to commence it's blessed work of neutralizing and removing those mines through guidance of its' chairman HRH Prince Mired, many locals and children living near danger zones were killed or handicapped. In total contrast these present days and after the committee's work many people can cultivate their lands peacefully and have their children play outside their homes in totally safety and stability. The committee held its periodical convention several months ago at the Dead Sea area and many guests of honor were present from the UN and local authorities. They asked my sister to perform on stage and sing a song that held the conference theme. My family and I were present and saw her perform. We all felt proud that within her capacity as a Jordanian artist she was giving in to this exquisite humanitarian cause. It just feels good when you can chip in and help. We also listened to many testimonies from people who suffered from mine accidents and their struggles to adapt to artificial parts and new ways of life. Thank the Lord most of them have succeeded to relive their life in a close to normal way and have adapted to their new realities. It was truly a moving conference for the viewers and made us truly cherish the committee and its humanitarian causes. My sister is due to release her first album this spring and in the midst of a grand party. With the Lord's help we pray all will be well. The producer of her first album is Madame Ghada Moasher, the sister of Mr. Nadeem Moasher (Marriott local business partners in Jordan). Madame Ghada has been a tremendous support for my entire family and is truly an inspiring and remarkable character. God Bless you and your family Mr. Marriott.
Posted by: Feras Werr | 01/13/2008 at 12:08 AM
Great to read about this, too bad more companies are not following in these footsteps.
Posted by: John Stock | 01/12/2008 at 11:36 AM
I have always been impressed with the Marriott Corporation and after hearing a story like this it makes me feel even better about this international business. I was familiar with the good works the associates have been involved with at the Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel in Chicago and am so happy to hear that other hotel associates also are involved in volunteering their time to make the world a better place.
Posted by: Debbie Dehlin | 01/10/2008 at 08:29 AM