Inspiring Change with Succeed Through Service

CHEVY CHASE, Md., April 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Engage. Inspire. Contribute. These are the guiding principles behind Succeed Through Service, the global youth engagement program started by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. as part of its Community Footprints social responsibility commitment.

All 82 hotels, as well as The Ritz-Carlton residences and destination clubs, are engaged in Succeed Through Service and partnering with local schools and youth organizations, many of which work closely with children facing economic, social or personal challenges. Over the past four years The Ritz-Carlton has supported over 12,000 young students around the world. 

Many of the children who participate in Succeed Through Service don't have access to positive role models and don't feel connected to their communities. "We are committed to enhancing the lives, well-being and career prospects for young people in communities in which we operate and Succeed Through Service enables us to deliver on that promise." says Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer. "As the name suggests, Succeed Through Service is all about helping young people thrive and inspiring them to do their best."

"Succeed Through Service focuses on giving young people a bright future through life-skills training, career exploration, and community and service-learning projects," says Sue Stephenson, vice president, Community Footprints. "Global Youth Service Day in April of each year, provides an outstanding platform to mobilize our students worldwide to help address issues in their own community."

Established in 1988 by YSA (Youth Service America), Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. It is celebrated in over 100 countries, with young people working together to address the world's most critical issues and change their communities. In the lead up to Global Youth Service Day, students in The Ritz-Carlton Succeed Through Service program have been learning about the importance of contributing to their community and collaborating on team projects that impact such issues as child literacy, environmental conservation and hunger and homelessness. As the world celebrates Global Youth Service Day this week, the students' Succeed Through Service projects will represent a global showcase of youthful achievement.

"For 25 years, Global Youth Service Day has shone a bright light on the unique perspective, compassion and creativity that young people bring to solving real problems in their communities." says Steven Culbertson, President and CEO, YSA. "The magic about The Ritz-Carlton Succeed Through Service program is that it recognizes the remarkable power of children and youth to change the world. We are thrilled that Succeed Through Service is strongly linked to our Global Youth Service Day framework. YSA takes its hat off to The Ritz Carlton for inspiring young students to do their best!"

Click here to see a video about Succeed Through Service.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR).

SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.