SHANGHAI, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Marriott cluster hotels in Greater Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Ningbo and Wuhan held the 11th annual Greater Shanghai Marriott Charity Golf Tournament in Aid of Roots and Shoots on Friday, June 1, 2012. The 18-hole tournament took place at Shanghai Bin Hai Golf Club and was a great success, raising RMB 350,000 and surpassing last year’s proceeds of RMB 268,000.
The RMB 350,000 raised from the tournament will once again go to Shanghai Roots & Shoots (R&S), a non-profit, volunteer organization that is committed to implementing a positive change to the preservation of wildlife and sustaining a greener world through youth education and affirmative action. The “Million Tree Project” initiated by Roots &Shoots specifically aims to resurrect the barren lands of Kulun Qi, Inner Mongolia, which have become desert-like due to greenhouse gas emissions and irresponsible exploitation of the land. Desertification causes serious sandstorms that strike Inner Mongolia and its surrounding areas each spring, destroying local homes and forcing many people to flee their homelands.
The tournament was be a fun and exciting day where, sponsors, players and the Marriott family come together to deliver an excellent day of golf and great prizes. Each of the 18-holes was brought to life with the help of sponsors providing treats at each of the 18 holes, such as sashimi, ice cream, and steak and oysters. As the 128 players went around the course, they were able to enjoy these sponsored holes and purchase mulligans and lucky draw tickets further supporting the cause. All in support of the Roots and Shoots that exemplifies Marriott “Spirit to Serve” philosophy and commitment. The 4 winners will have the opportunity to participate in the Marriott President’s Trophy Golf Tournament which will take place later in 2012.
The participating Marriott cluster hotels:
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,700 lodging properties in 71 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, AC Hotels by Marriott, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott Residences and Marriott Residences; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 129,000 employees at 2010 year-end. It is ranked by FORTUNE as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for. In fiscal year 2010, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $12 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
About Shanghai Roots and Shoots
Shanghai Roots & Shoots was founded as a volunteer organization in November, 1999 as part of the Jane Goodall Institute. Five years later, in November, 2004, Roots & Shoots was granted a Non-Profit Organization status by the Shanghai City Government.
Mission Statement of Jane Goodall Institute-Shanghai
The Jane Goodall Institute-Shanghai believes that the future is in the hands of the world’s young people. The program is committed to the understanding and preservation of wildlife and our living world through the education and empowerment of our youth. It aims to foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs, and to empower and inspire individuals to take action to make a positive difference in our world.
The Million Tree Project
The Million Tree Project goal is to plant one million trees by 2014. It costs RMB 25 to plant and sustain one tree, which in the course of its lifetime can clear 250kg of carbon dioxide. To date, over 410,000 trees have been planted. With this event’s support, Shanghai Roots & Shoots can be closer to reaching their goal to secure the welfare of the people living in the area.
