Motel 6 Supports Canine Companions For Independence With $20,000 Donation, New Podcast

Motel 6 Spokesperson Jack Hanna Records Podcast About CCI

(Tuesday, June 12, 2007) - Motel 6, the largest corporately owned and operated hotel chain in North America, contributed $20,000 to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit organization that provides people with disabilities with highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Jack Hanna, Motel 6 pet travel spokesperson and a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, is a dedicated Honorary Board member of CCI and introduced Motel 6 to the organization.



"Motel 6 has been pet-friendly since it opened in 1962, which makes the relationship with CCI a very natural one for us," said Eric Studer, Senior Vice President of Marketing Services for Motel 6. "We have seen first-hand in our hotels the difference service dogs make in the life of someone living with a disability. Motel 6 is proud to support such a worthy cause and such a dedicated organization."



Hanna joined Studer in the presentation of the $20,000 check from Motel 6 to Cheryl Lesko, Director of CCI's North Central Region. The money will help cover various expenses of breeding, raising and training of canine companions. CCI expects to have 182 graduating teams in 2007.



To raise awareness and generate support, Motel 6 has recorded a podcast about CCI with Hanna, as part of its pet podcast series. The audio clip features Hanna explaining the mission of CCI, as well as the training process for the dogs. Available for download on www.motel6.com, the podcast also discusses the application process and the low cost to those seeking a Canine Companion. Hanna has been involved with CCI for nearly 15 years and has supported CCI in several capacities including fundraising efforts and offering free admission to dogs and their trainers at the Columbus Zoo for training purposes.



"CCI is a cause near and dear to my heart because of the amazing impact I have seen these canine companions make in people's lives," said Hanna. "These dogs bring their owners a freedom that might otherwise be impossible for people living with disabilities, as well as the companionship of man's best friend."

To listen to Hanna's podcast online, visit www.motel6.com. To learn more about Canine Companions for Independence, visit www.cci.org.

About Motel 6

Motel 6 offers the best price of any national chain at more than 850 company-owned and franchised locations covering 48 U.S. states and Canada. For 21 years Motel 6 has used the tagline, "We'll leave the light on for you," earning the chain the highest brand recognition in the economy lodging segment. Motel 6 was the first national pet friendly chain, welcoming pets since 1962. Standard amenities include free local phone calls, no long distance access charges, free morning coffee, data ports, and cable channel line-up with premium channels including HBO, ESPN/ESPN2, and CNN. Most locations offer swimming pools and guest laundry facilities. For more information, visit www.motel6.com.

About Accor North America

Headquartered in Dallas (Carrollton), Texas, Accor North America operates more than 1,200 upscale and economy properties including nationwide economy leaders Studio 6 and Motel 6 and the upscale Sofitel and mid-scale Novotel and Ibis hotel locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.accor-na.com.

About Jack Hanna

Jack Hanna, known to the animal world and the general public as "Jungle Jack," is instantly recognizable by his khaki safari outfit and deep tan. He is one of America's most beloved naturalists and adventurers and is the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. In addition to hosting his television series, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures, he is also a regular guest on shows including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and The Late Show With David Letterman. He has served as the Motel 6 pet travel spokesperson since 2004.

About Canine Companions for Independence

Canine Companions for Independence, based in Santa Rosa, CA, is the largest non-profit organization in the world that provides trained assistance dogs that enhance the lives of people with disabilities. There is no charge for the dog, its training or ongoing follow-up services. For more information visit www.cci.org.

Jennifer Jordan

Elmore Public Relations

311 W. Saulnier

Houston, TX 77019

713-524-0661 (Office)

214-403-7525 (Cell)

jennifer@elmorepr.com

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