Book a Meeting Room That Offers More Than Conference Space

CHEVY CHASE, Md., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- As the awareness of corporate social responsibility grows, meetings are increasingly looked at as a way to not only gather in a conference room to work on an internal problem or project, but as way to further a business' commitment to the communities in which they serve.

To help make corporate social responsibility a seamless part of any meeting, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a global leader in hotels, service and lifestyle, has developed several programs to complement the meeting room experience, help companies "team build" and discover the ease of giving back.

Through the VolunTeaming® program, companies can take their team-building activities out of the conference room and into the community. Just a few of the ways groups can work together, build a stronger team and build a stronger community include:

• Harvesting organic crops for donation to a local food bank
• Painting murals at a local Boys & Girls Club
• Helping protect and preserve a historic park
• Working side-by-side with members of Habitat for Humanity
• Competing in short, fast-paced games that help teams earn points for bicycle parts that will be used to build bikes for a local children's charity
• Creating worthwhile housewarming gifts for new Habitat for Humanity homeowners
• Assembling bookshelves that will be donated to local children's organizations
• Building solar and recycled cars that illustrate the importance of recycling, alternative energy and green transportation. (After this activity, a local school will receive the teams' solar cars, along with brand-new solar car kits and a solar classroom curriculum.)

In addition to VolunTeaming activities, The Ritz-Carlton also offers Meaningful Meetings. Focusing on monetary donations to the community, this program provides companies with a simple way to offer charities a helping hand. To take advantage of this program, meeting planners need only to book a meeting room and overnight accommodations at a Ritz-Carlton property – and indicate they would like to take part in Meaningful Meetings. Once the meeting is complete, The Ritz-Carlton will donate 10% of the total guest room revenue equally between a charity of your choice and The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints Fund.

For additional information about the community service and team building programs available at The Ritz-Carlton, or to book a meeting room or conference room at a hotel or resort in your area, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Meetings/Default.htm.

Please note: VolunTeaming® opportunities are available at Ritz-Carlton properties in the United States, Caribbean and Mexico.

SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Hotels