Extended Stay America Honored At American Cancer Society Charlotte Cattle Baron's Ball

Hotelier recognized for outstanding work in fight against cancer for Hotel Keys of Hope℠ room donation program

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Nov 15, 2016, 09:00 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, November 12, 2016, the American Cancer Society^® honored Extended Stay America^® hotels for the hotelier's flagship room donation program, Hotel Keys of Hope℠. The honor was bestowed during the nonprofit's annual signature fundraising gala, the Cattle Baron's Ball, in the brand's hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. In naming Extended Stay America a distinguished honoree, the American Cancer society effectively recognized the brand as a key partner and outstanding force in the fight against cancer.

A charitable program unlike any other in the hospitality industry, Hotel Keys of Hope℠ was born largely from Extended Stay America's desire to make a real and tangible impact on the lives of cancer survivors by contributing more than a simple monetary donation. Upon learning the cost of lodging is among the greatest barriers keeping cancer patients from receiving the treatment they need, Extended Stay America saw a crucial need they were more than qualified to fill and joined forces with the American Cancer Society.

Through Hotel Keys of Hope℠, Extended Stay America provides free and deeply discounted hotel stays to cancer patients who face the financial challenges often associated with receiving potentially lifesaving treatment far from home. To date, the brand has donated more than 150,000 hotel rooms to help more than 15,000 cancer patients get access to treatment away from home, saving families nearly $4.5 million in lodging expense.

"At Extended Stay America, we are so incredibly proud to be a part of this life-changing program and partnership with the American Cancer Society," commented Extended Stay America executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Kevin Henry, who accepted the honor on behalf of the brand. "Hotel Keys of Hope wouldn't be the incredible success and source of hope that it is today if it weren't for the thousands of employees on the ground, implementing and taking pride in it every single day."

Extended Stay America's philanthropic efforts to elevate corporate giving with a program for those battling a cancer diagnosis began with its front line—the brand's more than 8,500 employees. In response to a company survey to uncover sentiment toward a philanthropic foundation, the American Cancer Society rose ahead of all other causes, as cancer unfortunately touches the lives of millions.

In celebration of Extended Stay America's Leave a key. Help save a life.℠ initiative, an extension of the Hotel Keys of Hope℠ program in which Extended Stay America donates one dollar for every room key deposited at checkout, the hotelier asked Cattle Baron's Ball attendees, philanthropists and key donors from across Charlotte, to get involved by donating a room night for someone undergoing treatment. For every $100 contribution made to the American Cancer Society during the event, Extended Stay America donated a room to a cancer fighter traveling for treatment.

To join Extended Stay America and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer, visit ExtendedStayAmerica.com or call 800-804-3724. For information about American Cancer Society programs and services, including the lodging program, please visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

About Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America, Inc., the largest owner/operator of company-branded hotels in North America, owns and operates 629 hotels in the U.S. and Canada comprising approximately 69,400 rooms and employs over 8,500 employees at its hotel properties and headquarters. The Company's core brand, Extended Stay America®, serves the mid-priced extended stay segment. Visit www.extendedstay.com for more information about the Company and its services.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 26 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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SOURCE Extended Stay America