BETHESDA, MD,. - June 17, 2008 - The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities announced today that more than 10,000 youth and young adults with disabilities have been competitively placed in jobs nationwide through its program. During the annual awards gala being held this evening, the non-profit organization will recognize 19-year old, D.C. native Reggie Randolph as this year's Youth Achievement Award winner, and Washington, D.C.-based Giant Food, as the Employer of the Year.

"We are excited about the success of the program," said Richard Marriott, chairman, Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities and chairman of Host, Hotels & Resorts. "Young people like Reggie face imposing challenges, but they want nothing more than to contribute to society and have independence. We're thrilled that through Bridges, and employers like Giant, people with disabilities are able to achieve their career goals."

Youth Achievement Award winner Reggie Randolph was a junior at H.D. Woodson High School in Washington, D.C. when he came to Bridges. He was hired by IMC/Kevric, a Federal contractor, and placed in a position as a mail clerk at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Initially, he was extremely shy and introverted and kept to himself, but now, two years later, he has flourished. He was given additional responsibility to train other Bridges youth and cross-trained for advancement opportunities. His employer was so impressed that he was recently offered a salaried position as a reference center clerk-a job that operates autonomously and requires independent management skills. Additionally, Reggie has enrolled at the Strayer University to further his education.

Giant Food is a true advocate of diversity and leads by example. Within the past 18 months, the Employer of the Year has hired 21 Bridges' young people in seven of its stores. Since the beginning of the partnership with Bridges, Giant has worked closely with program staff to identify the right job match for each Bridges’ youth. They guide and train the young people every step of the way and create opportunities for vocational advancement. Additionally, they speak regularly to Bridges’ youth looking to enter the workforce.

The Marriott Foundation's Bridges"¦from school to work program was established in 1989 by the family of J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott to enhance employment opportunity for people with disabilities. The program has worked with more than 3,200 employers nationwide through its nine locations-Washington, D.C.; Montgomery County, Md.; Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland, Calif..; Atlanta, Ga..; Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Ill..; and Philadelphia, Penn.-and currently serves about 1,100 youth annually.To participate in the program or for more information, visit www.marriottfoundation.org.

The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities supports and initiates focused activities to enhance employment opportunity for young people with disabilities, most of whom are also economically disadvantaged. Through it's Bridges. . .from school to work programs it provides critical employment and support services, in major cities around the country, to more than 1,100 urban youth annually. The Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities is a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.The Foundation's Bridges projects are funded in part by grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.

The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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