Business Hotel in Chennai Partnered With Bindu Arts School for a Fundraiser

CHENNAI, INDIA--(Marketwire - Apr 20, 2012) - Courtyard by Marriott, in association with Bindu Arts School, held a fundraiser auction in March at the Chennai hotel to benefit the students.

Bindu Arts School is a school for people affected by leprosy. The students' ages range between 20 and 84 years and most are illiterate and from different religious traditions. Each day, they begin daily classes with meditation. The students draw from their own intense life experiences and use unique personal qualities to produce impressive paintings. The immediate, innocent and spontaneous nature of their art work is both touching and witty at the same time. The simplicity of ideas and the use of space and texture are tinged with the inner beauty of each student. It was started by Austrian artist Werner Dornik in 2005, along with social activist Padma Venkataraman at the leprosy colony in Bharathapuram, Tamil Nadu.

Courtyard by Marriott's "Spirit to Serve' policy involves associates from the hotels across all properties to give back to the society they come from. The team at the bustling business hotel in Chennai has an enthusiastic attitude. Their service and generosity of spirit enriches the lives of many. The team is dedicated to creating awareness in the greater community about leprosy and to help the colony's residents feel more a part of the mainstream society and to eradicate the social stigma of leprosy. Through their association with an organization called Marriott Home, the hotel team helps deliver vital services to the children of people affected by leprosy in the Home.

As one of the premier hotels in Chennai Anna Salai, Courtyard by Marriott strives to make a positive impact on their community. Every associate of the hotel, right from the General Manager, executive committee members and other associates, are a part of Spirit to Serve. Every month, the team does community services that support Marriott's 'Spirit to Serve' initiatives.

Commenting on the event, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Mr. Ankush Sharma said, "I am proud of the people of Bindu Art School. It is amazing to see their spirit to be creative and bring joy into people's lives. We take pleasure in extending our help to them and bringing their work to light. This is an evening to admire, appreciate and applaud the work done by them. I am extremely privileged to be a part of this noble cause and hope to do more of this in the future."

This was not the first time the Courtyard team hosted a fundraiser at their hotels in Chennai. Back in 2009, Courtyard by Marriott managed to raise a considerable amount of money that went towards the welfare of Bindu Arts School. This year, exclusive paintings done by the students were auctioned and the exhibition was open for public viewing through March 19th 2012 at Courtyard by Marriott. All proceeds from the auction and the exhibition will be put towards the welfare of the inhabitants of Bindu Art School.

For further fundraiser information please contact Hanmer MSL, Sumitra at 98844 09349. To learn more about Courtyard Chennai's 'Spirit to Serve,' visit www.courtyardchennai.com.