Welcome to Community Footprints 

                                   
At The Ritz-Carlton, we have built a legacy of extraordinary service. This tradition extends into our social and environmental responsibility program, Community Footprints, and inspires us to positively impact the lives of others. Our first mission statement, created in 1983, committed that “The Ritz-Carlton Hotels will be known as positive, supportive members of their community and will be sensitive to the environment.” These principles have guided us well over the past 25 years, enabling us to make a meaningful difference in the communities around the world in which our Ritz-Carlton properties are located.

In keeping with this commitment, our properties collaborate with local organizations to direct our resources where the most impact will be made. In 2007 alone, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company donated over $7.4 million in products and services to charitable organizations, and our Ladies and Gentlemen contributed over 40,000 hours of volunteer work.  Woven into the fabric of our history, The Ritz-Carlton underscores this passion to serve with a Community Footprints focus on three pillars:

• Hunger and Poverty Relief: The ladies and gentleman of the Ritz-Carlton are deeply committed to serving the poor and disadvantaged in our communities. We partner with community and charitable organizations to raise funds for hunger and poverty relief, and donate food, linens, toys, furniture and clothing to benefit those in need. Our initiatives impact an array of community needs, from cooking and serving meals at local homeless shelters to building playgrounds and renovating critical community facilities.  

• Well-being of Disadvantaged Children: Our Ritz-Carlton properties are proud to work with local organizations that provide a safe haven and nurturing environment to underprivileged children. These efforts include job readiness and workplace training to disadvantaged youth, sponsoring mentoring programs and participating in after-school programs. Our properties also partner with charitable organizations to raise funds to benefit children in need, including those who are disabled or face health issues.

• Environmental Conservation: The Ritz-Carlton is committed to using grassroots innovation at its properties to drive sustainable luxury experiences. Spearheaded by the ladies and gentleman at each location, our Ritz Environmental Action Conservation Teams (REACT) select best practices that are designed to minimize the environmental footprint of each property. By preserving and protecting natural resources, REACT helps ensure positive, lasting contributions to The Ritz-Carlton destinations.

The Community Footprints Fund was established to supplement the Community Footprints efforts of our properties around the world and support broader-based charitable causes. The Fund is formed as an Internal Revenue code 501(c)(3) organization, as part of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region public charity.