PALM BEACH, ARUBA (March 19, 2009) - On Thursday March 19th a $5,000 check was handed by Aruba Marriott's General Manager and Vice President Rick Zeolla to Teen Challenge's President of the Board Mili Molina-Granviel and Vice President of the Board James Ramos. Teen Challenge is an international organization providing all kinds of social support to the community. The division in Aruba has been active for more than 3 years now. This donation will be used towards the realization of a youth rehabilitation centre for youngsters that suffer from substance abuse addiction.
The money for this $5,000 donation was 'raised' by 22 school children, who are all students in the art class of CreaArte under the guidance of Miriam de L'Isle. These children were asked in late 2008 to create ten art works, resembling the Aruba Playground for All Generations. The participating children were informed that they would create the artworks to help better the lives of other children as the payment for these artworks would not be made out to the little artists, however be donated to kids in need by means of the Teen Challenge organization.
The ten colorful artworks were revealed on Wednesday February 18th by the Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, J.W. 'Bill' Marriott. One of the paintings was presented to Mr. Marriott and currently is on display in his office in Washington and Marriott International’s headquarters. The nine remaining works of this unique art collection can be admired in Aruba Marriott Resort's hotel lobby.
Teen Challenge Aruba consists of 16 volunteers that operate as staff members in the field, as well as 6 additional members of the board. Main focus of Teen Challenge is to assist kids, teenagers and also adults with any struggles they might have within their family situation, with aggressiveness, molester and sexual abuse, alcohol and drug abuse and difficulties at work or at home. Teen Challenge provides training and information on all of the above mentioned topics, works closely with Reclassering and KIA to help re-integrate former convicts in society without falling back into old habits and is currently working on the opening of a rehabilitation centre for the youth. Teen Challenge is always in need of support by means of additional volunteers who’d like to help out in their daily activities as well as financial funds. More information about Teen Challenge is available through President of the Board, Mili Molina-Granviel at phone nr 582 2400.
Designated among the "World's Best Places to Stay" by Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Gold List, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts 411 fully renovated guestrooms - the most spacious on the island – each with large, private balconies overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. On property, seven restaurants and cafes provide fare from light to elegant, while the largest casino in Aruba, a 6,500 square-foot spa, free-form swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and high-energy health club offer entertaining diversions. To obtain more information call the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino at 888-PARADISE or visit www.arubamarriott.com.
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In the pictures:
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| Aruba Marriott GM Rick Zeolla (middle) handing the check to Mili Molina-Granviel (left), president of Teen Challenge's Board and Gina Heyliger, chair of Marriott's Care Foundation (right) with James Ramos, vide-president of the Teen Challenge Board and Marriott's Marketing Manager Karin Swiers on the far left. | | Karin Swiers and Gina Heyliger showing the art works that were created by CreaArte students in their contribution to the donation for Teen Challenge. |
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| Mister 'Bill' Marriott receiving one of the ten paintings during his visit to Aruba on February 18, 2009. | | Group picture of participating school children in the CreaArte project under the guidance of Miriam de L'Isle, along with Mr Marriott, prime minister Nelson Oduber, minister of tourism and transportation Edison Briesen, Marriott's general manager Rick Zeolla and marketing manager Karin Swiers.
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