WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2005 - Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) and the Marriott family's private foundation, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, have pledged a total of $3 million to aid employees and victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Hurricane Katrina has caused heartbreaking loss for the people of the Gulf Coast region, including our associates, their families and their communities," said J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc. "Our company and the Marriott family extend our deepest sympathy and concern to all those affected by this tragedy."

The company has contributed $500,000 to the American Red Cross to help all in the affected communities and has also established the Marriott & Ritz- Carlton Disaster Relief Fund under the auspices of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, a charitable organization, and made an initial $500,000 donation. This newly-established fund allows the company, associates, owners, franchisees, business partners, customers and others to financially assist Marriott & Ritz-Carlton managed and franchised associates affected by significant disasters in communities where we live and work.

The Marriott family foundation has made a challenge grant to match, dollar-for-dollar, all contributions to the Marriott & Ritz-Carlton Disaster Relief Fund received by March 1, 2006, up to a maximum of $1 million. The company's $500,000 contribution to this Fund is not included in the Foundation's challenge grant. Company associates, owners, franchisees, business partners, customers, guests or those wishing to double their own contributions toward associate assistance are invited to donate to the Marriott & Ritz-Carlton Disaster Relief Fund.
Separately, the Marriott family has pledged an additional $1 million toward longer-term disaster relief efforts, with the recipient organizations to be determined as the greatest needs are identified.

If you would like to contribute to the Marriott & Ritz-Carlton Disaster Relief Fund, you may do so by sending a check payable to:

Marriott & Ritz-Carlton Disaster Relief Fund
The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
1201 15th Street NW, Suite 420
Washington, D.C.  20005

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. is a leading lodging company with more than 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 65 other countries and territories. 

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