CHEVY CHASE, Md, (Oct. 28, 2011) — Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital (CIS) held its first-ever “Seeds of Change” fundraiser to benefit D.C. students at The Ritz Carlton, Georgetown and to recognize “extraordinary service to the children of Washington DC”. In the company of two worthy recipients, The Ritz-Carlton was the only corporate organization to be recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the success of D.C. public school students.

“We’ve made it our duty to keep students in school and mindful of their futures, but we could not do this alone,” said Tobeka Green, CEO of Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital. “It is truly an honor that this evening’s guests and honorees would want to be a part of this movement.”

“Through The Ritz-Carlton Succeed Through Service program, hotels around the world partner with schools that serve a disadvantaged community. We focus our employees on engaging, mentoring and inspiring young at-risk students” said Hervé Humler, president and chief operations officer. “I am very proud of their enthusiasm and commitment to every student they partner with. Our aim is simple – to instill in the students the vision of a successful future if they remain in school.”

As part of this commitment, The Ritz-Carlton Corporate Office and The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown has been working withCommunities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital to support the young students at Charles Hart Middle School in Anacostia. “Over the past year we have been involved in a broad array of projects and I have also had the opportunity to interact directly with the students” said Humler. “Our ladies and gentlemen continue to make a meaningful difference by helping these young students to flourish,”

“The overwhelming support of this year’s honorees to put CIS students at the forefront of life-enriching programs and experiences helps students to achieve their full potential both in school and in life” added Green.

To view a video that outlines The Ritz-Carlton commitment to Succeed Through Service, please visit The Succeed Through Service website.

About CIS of the Nation’s Capital
Communities in Schools is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, working in more than 3,200 K-12 public schools around the country. Today, 1.2 million young people annually receive direct services through more than 200 CIS local affiliates in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1977, CIS of the Nation’s Capital is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, currently serving in five schools in the District of Columbia: Browne Education Campus, Ferebee-Hope Elementary School, M.C. Terrell/McGogney Elementary.

About Succeed Through Service
Succeed Through Service is the most recently added pillar of responsibility within Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company’s social responsibility program. Development of Succeed Through Service came from an awareness of the growing global issue of children not completing their education. In the United States, for example, 1.2 million students drop out of school every year (an average of one child every 26 seconds) and drop out rates in many other countries continue to rise. All 77 Ritz-Carlton hotels, as well as Ritz-Carlton residences and destination clubs, take part in Succeed Through Service partnering with local schools and youth organizations worldwide, many of which work closely with children facing economic, social or personal challenges.