AHMEDABAD, INDIA--(Marketwired - May 19, 2015) - It's no secret that India loves cricket. It's also no secret that Marriott loves helping a worthy cause. The Courtyard Ahmedabad recently brought these two passions together by auctioning off a collector's edition cricket bat to help a community in need.

The cricket bat, signed by the renowned international cricketers, including Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson, Steve Smith and James Faulkner, was won by Mrs. Aparna Garg. The signed bat was presented to Garg and her family at a high tea at the Satellite Road hotel. Her win is also a win for Rising Star Outreach, a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on helping India's leprosy communities. 

"Courtyard by Marriott is committed to achieving excellence, not only in hospitality and surpassing guest delight, but also in increasing its outreach to support community-based issues and their solutions," Gaurav Singh, General Manager of the Ahmedabad luxury hotel, says. "We have been actively involved in raising funds for the Rising Star Outreach, which supports the Marriott Home based out of Chennai."

Marriott Home is one of the pioneering efforts of Rising Star Outreach, which rented a small house in April 2004. The house became home to 27 children from surrounding leprosy colonies, and was the start of the organization's success with helping India's leprosy communities. Marriott Home can now accommodate nearly 400 children, who learn English, computer skills and other subjects at an onsite school. This is just part of helping the children reach the organization's goal: to see a day when those affected by leprosy are no longer consigned to begging on the streets, but can instead enjoy a life of dignity and productivity.

About Courtyard Ahmedabad
The benefit of staying at the Courtyard Ahmedabad is twofold; not only do hotel guests enjoy a prime location in the heart of Gujarat's commercial capital, but they have useful and desirable amenities, from a cosy bed to an indoor pool, at their fingertips. A top choice with both business and leisure travellers, the Ahmedabad hotel features 164 guest rooms and suites, each with bright, contemporary décor, high-speed Internet access, a spacious desk and 24-hour room service. Upgraded accommodations include access to the exclusive Executive Lounge. India is a wealth of culinary delights, and a taste of that can be had at the fine dining vegetarian restaurant, Shakahari, Java+ coffee bar and MoMo Café, the all-day dining restaurant featuring buffet and a la carte selections. A 24-hour fitness centre is the perfect way to complement a healthy lifestyle, as is strolling around the neighborhood, filled with shops, restaurants and attractions. The location and amenities at the hotel make it the perfect venue for a meeting, wedding or social gathering, too. The largest event space can host up to 600 guests for a reception, and a full range of services, from catering to audiovisual expertise, is available.