Starwood Helps Restore New Orleans Fountain
NEW ORLEANS, LA, January 26, 2007. Through its philanthropic initiative, Operation CPR: City Park Restoration, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, the parent company of The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and W Hotels of New Orleans, continues to contribute to the city's revitalization. New Orleans City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country and home to the largest collection of mature Live Oak trees in the world, sustained $43 million in hurricane damages. Operation CPR will resuscitate and restore Popp's Fountain, a popular and vital tourist attraction within the park's 1,300 acres, during a day long volunteer effort in early February. As the proud majestic oaks stand witness alongside the 850 Starwood employee-volunteers, Popp's Fountain will be re-activated commemorating renewed life in New Orleans for both locals and visitors alike.
Designed by artist Enrique Alferez, Popp's Fountain, which was built in 1937, propels a dramatic spray of water 30 feet into the air from a cast bronze base of leaping dolphins. It is situated within an enclosed private and shaded 11-acre site. Although restored in 1999, the Fountain site was decimated by Hurricane Katrina. "We chose Popp's Fountain for this company-wide volunteer undertaking because it represents the crown jewel of parks in the region, and has a special place in the hearts of generations of New Orleanians, as well as visitors to the city," explains Geoff Ballotti, President of Starwood's North America Division. "As a major revenue generator for City Park, we feel the restoration will no doubt assist the park in becoming self-sustaining once again, and stand as a testament to our commitment to rebuilding New Orleans."
This first new breath taken by Popp's Fountain brings the New Orleans Starwood properties full circle from those daunting days surrounding Hurricane Katrina. As the only hotel in the New Orleans area with continuous operation throughout the storm and its aftermath, The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel rose as a leader and positioned itself as "ground zero" for the recovery efforts in New Orleans. "We never once thought of closing our doors," states Tommy Morel, Area Director of Sales & Marketing. "We had immense support from Starwood Hotels, and we knew we had a responsibility to the city leaders, the police and fire departments, the media disseminating the news worldwide, and our local community to remain in operation as a 'home for first responders,' and as a result we were transformed into a temporary town center."
Immediately following the storm W Hotels of New Orleans housed the neighboring police districts and ensured the safe evacuation of all employees and their families as well as our guests. Since Katrina, W Hotels of New Orleans have contributed to the community through sponsorship and involvement in each milestone of the city and continued support of New Orleans institutions. "We are committed to the rebuilding of our community and accept the responsibility of leading the way." Comments Marcus Reinders, General Manager of W New Orleans. Starwood's leadership role throughout the days and months following Hurricane Katrina has reaffirmed their reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry.
EVENT PARTNERS: As an integral part of the New Orleans hospitality industry for over 25 Years, Starwood Hotels is keenly aware of the need for partnering with local entities to strengthen both the unique culture of our city and the potential presence in the worldwide tourism market. For this project The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is partnering with: Budweiser/Southern Eagle Distributors; Citadel Broadcasting (DIVA, Martini, Rock 'n Country); Hospital Corporation of America; Industrial Mechanical; Jackie's Jambalaya, Inc.; Louisiana State University Agricultural Center's Horticulturist Dan Gill; Pepsi Americas; The Plant Gallery; Plfueger Electric Co., Inc.; Precision Construction; PSAV; Shamrock Management, LLC; Sherwin Williams; and Signature Events; U.S. Foods are also corporate sponsors, affirming the enormous impact of this endeavor.
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