Contact: Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications
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KenEllens@aol.com

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 2009 ... Burt Cabañas and all of Benchmark Hospitality's Home Office employees partnered recently with the Habitat for Humanity NWHC organization, helping construct a new home for the Romero family of Houston. Juan and DiNora Romero had been living in a small mobile home with their two children, Gilmar and Alejandra, and their grandmother Maria with little space for the children to play inside or outside. When faced with losing this home, Cabañas, Benchmark and Habitat for Humanity NWHC stepped in, picked up hammers, nails, saws and shovels and went to work to build a home for the Romeros, helping change their lives.

"I was 10 when I came to America from Cuba," said Mr. Cabañas. "My mother and I came with very little except the determination to work hard and build a better life for ourselves. We were so appreciative of the support we received along the way as it made the difference. That's what I hope we're doing for this wonderful family, the Romeros, with their new home."

Following completion, the Romero family, who are originally from Mexico, will move into the new four bedroom, two bath home, which includes a bedroom for their grandmother as well.

Attached Photos (L to R):
Burt Cabañas ... and the Benchmark Hospitality International Home Office Team Build a Home with Habitat for Humanity NWHC for the Romero family.

About Habitat for Humanity NWHC

Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County www.habitatnwhc.org was established in 1989 by twelve area churches as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The non-profit 501-c-3, faith based, volunteer driven organization is dedicated to eliminating sub-standard housing. They are one of eight Habitat affiliates in metropolitan Houston. Since its inception, Habitat Northwest Harris County has built more than 140 homes providing housing for more than 568 individuals. However, the organization's focus goes beyond just building houses; they build communities that stress the well being and future of the families who live in Habitat homes. Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County is committed to doing what they can to help families be successful in their new neighborhoods, including building community centers and developing community Home Owner Associations. The organization does not give homes away; they partner with families looking for a ‘hand-up' and help them build their new home.

About Hometown Hospitality Caring For Our Communities

The "Hometown Hospitality Caring For Our Communities" program of Benchmark Hospitality International advances the philanthropic endeavors of the leading hospitality management company through employee volunteer programs, in-kind donations and community outreach activities. Benchmark believes that responsible corporate citizenship recognizes the inalienable link between a healthy and vibrant community and the health and well being of a company and its employees. Hometown Hospitality Caring for Our Communities encourages and enables Benchmark employees globally to seek leading roles in the communities in which they live and work and the world community as well by supporting social, educational, and cultural programs, either through property-developed initiatives or through partnering with existing organizations and providers.

About Benchmark Hospitality International

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.