W Hotels Launches Cancer Campaign
SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. This season is W Hotels wrapping comfort, encouragement and hope around women with breast cancer and their families with the launch of its "Robes to Recovery" campaign.
Combining innovation, inspiration, and a cadre of style icons who strongly support the company and its latest philanthropic initiative, W Hotels Worldwide has spearheaded a partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and its charitable initiative, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), to raise much-needed funds for women with breast cancer and their families. Nearly 30 of the world's most renowned designers, including Carolina Herrera, Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, and Vivienne Tam, have joined forces to create their own signature version of the chic W bathrobe in support of W's "Robes to Recovery" initiative.
These designer robes will be auctioned off for charity on eBay next month with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting FTBC.
As W enters its sixth year of participation in New York Fashion Week, 13 of these runway-ready bathrobes are on display at the entrance of the Bryant Park tents through September 15. The remaining designer robes will be on rotation at select W properties in New York and throughout the country. All 29 robes will be auctioned off on eBay beginning October 23rd with the bidding to end on November 2nd.
"We were inspired to create this initiative by courageous women all over the world who have shared their remarkable stories with us," said Ross Klein, President, W Hotels Worldwide. "With the incredible support and passion of the designers participating in this project and FTBC, we have redefined the robe to be the ultimate symbol of encouragement and recovery for women as they progress through their healing journey."
W's "Robes to Recovery" design partners include: Alvin Valley, Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Cynthia Rowley, Cynthia Steffe, Diane von Furstenberg, Doo-Ri Chung, Francisco Costa, Gwen Stefani, Heatherette, Jeff Mahshie for Chaiken, Juicy Couture, Kay Unger, Kevin Carrigan for Calvin Klein/CK Studios, Leigh Bantivoglio, Liz Lange, Luca Orlandi for Luca Luca, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Narciso Rodriguez, Peter Som, Rachel Roy, Rebecca Taylor, Reed Krakoff for Coach, Stan Herman, Tracey Reese, Vivienne Tam, and Yeohlee.
In conjunction with W's "Robes to Recovery," the company has also created its own limited edition FTBC co-branded bathrobe, a W signature robe featuring the FTBC logo which will be sold at whotels.com, W hotels the Store and on eBay during the auction period. Twenty-five percent of the net proceeds from the sales will benefit FTBC.
"Breast cancer affects us all and we're proud that we are able to contribute to women who need our support, whether through our Robes to Recovery initiative, the compassion rates we offer to those undergoing treatment, or simply by a hug, smile and words of encouragement," continued Klein.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
