Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Marriott Bonvoy, the acclaimed travel program by Marriott International, and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott (JWASM) Foundation have joined hands to contribute $500,000 to World Central Kitchen (WCK), the nonprofit founded by chef José Andrés. This donation aims to significantly bolster WCK’s capacity to deliver meals in response to global natural disasters and crises, ensuring vital nutrition and support reaches those in need during challenging times. The initiative underscores Marriott’s and the Marriott family’s longstanding commitment to supporting WCK.
Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, announced this donation during a recording of Chef Andrés’ “Longer Tables” podcast at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The conversation touched upon shared interests such as family, travel, culinary trends, and philanthropy.
This donation complements Marriott Bonvoy’s ongoing efforts in June, where they match all point donations to their philanthropic partners, including WCK, up to 25 million points.
Capuano emphasized the importance of WCK’s work: “When there is a need, José and World Central Kitchen answer the call. We have had the privilege of working side-by-side with WCK in challenging environments after devastating natural disasters. Their work to provide critical humanitarian relief in the form of nutritious meals to the most vulnerable not only saves lives, it gives survivors hope. Beyond our donation, matching points enables our loyalty members to also show their support for this vital work.”
Mieka Wick, CEO, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation said: “We believe in the transformative power of food and the critical role it plays in building and rebuilding communities. World Central Kitchen exemplifies resilience, and we are honored to support their extraordinary work and to help extend their reach to even more communities in need.”
World Central Kitchen has been a leader in humanitarian aid, delivering millions of meals to disaster survivors and supporting community resilience through food. This donation will directly support WCK’s vital initiatives, including:
“We are grateful for the long partnership we have had with Marriott and in particular, we are so thankful for this generous donation from Marriott Bonvoy and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation,” said José Andrés, Founder and Chief Feeding Officer, World Central Kitchen. “We have also been the beneficiary in the past of the generosity of Marriott Bonvoy members – so the points donation, matched by Marriott Bonvoy, is also deeply appreciated. This support is a testament to the power of collective action in times of need. With this funding, we can continue to deliver hope, one plate at a time, to communities facing unimaginable challenges.”
Marriott International and the JWASM Foundation have a longstanding commitment to supporting WCK’s global relief efforts both financially and operationally. Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the company funded WCK’s culinary training program and employed many graduates in its hotels. During Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico in 2017, Marriott took swift action, not only making financial contributions and encouraging associate volunteerism but also converting the kitchen of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, into a hub for WCK’s critical hunger relief efforts. Marriott remains dedicated to backing WCK’s humanitarian responses worldwide.
Tags: chef José Andrés, Hospitality Industry, Hotel News, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Bonvoy hotel news, World Central Kitchen
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