World Vision thanks Hilton HHonors for supporting National Youth Empowerment Summit with gala

Washington, D.C., July 15, 2011—Nearly 130 teens in World Vision’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) from across the nation visited their Congressional representatives this week, in culmination of a 20-week training program focused on equipping and empowering youth to identify and address the most difficult social issues within their communities. A valued World Vision partner, Hilton HHonors sponsored the week’s Dinner Gala on Friday night at the Capital Hilton, a celebration featuring music, awards, and inspirational speakers.

“World Vision is committed to equipping our youth to become voices of positive change. Our goal is that they become leaders who want to better their world,” said Richard Stearns, president of World Vision. “We are delighted to partner with Hilton HHonors to appropriately recognize and celebrate these hard-working youth, many of whom come from very challenging environments.”

"Hilton HHonors is proud to offer its support to World Vision’s Youth Empowerment Program,” said Jeff Diskin, Senior Vice President, Global Customer Marketing, Hilton Worldwide. “As a global company, we consider it our privilege to assist in creating opportunities and strengthening the communities where our properties are and where our team members and their families work, live and learn.”

Youth participating in the YEP Summit are mostly from Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Twin Cities, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Many of these students tell compelling stories, such as:

Los Angeles – Sinnai Pedro has lived through the death of friends growing up in Pico Union, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles where violence and gang threats are a daily occurrence. But she is upbeat and passionate.

Twin Cities – Lucina Kayee grew up in West Africa ,witnessing her brother as he was taken away to become a child soldier. Once in America she’s spent time in foster homes. Now thanks in part to YEP, she’s planning to attend college.

Chicago – Sheila Howard was only 16 when her 19 year old sister was gunned down. “Everyone knew what happened”, says Sheila but no one said anything. Now she’s a World Vision YEP volunteer. Her daughter, Ve-esha is in YEP.

Tacoma - Milton “Chino” Celedron-Perez has struggled with gang involvement and alcohol abuse. YEP has helped him turn his life around. Now he’s involved with Marine ROTC at his high school.

About About Hilton HHonors
Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s ten distinct hotel brands, honors its 28 million members by allowing them to turn earned points into experiences worth sharing. In addition to redeeming HHonors Points for complimentary hotel stays, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions, and more. HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘Points & Miles’ and ‘No Blackout Dates’ at more than 3,750 hotels worldwide, including participating Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by HiltonTM, Embassy Suites HotelsTM, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hampton Inn® Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Home2Suites by Hilton® and Hilton Grand Vacations®. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting HiltonHHonors.com.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 92 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and 615,000 rooms in 84 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor -- regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews