HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
Courtyard by Marriott Chennai began its preliminary Christmas merriments with the cake mixing ceremony last week. This year the annual ritual was special and close to our hearts since it was done at the Rising Star Outreach of India which is located at Chengalpettu district of Tamil Nadu. Rising Star Outreach has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people affected by leprosy, through social and medical rehabilitation. Marriott Home, one of the pioneering efforts of Rising Star Outreach of India started in April 2004, with a small rented home for 27 children from surrounding leprosy colonies. In the same year, Marriott India joined hands with Rising Star to form the Marriott home in Chennai. The success of the home was stunning, and in 2005 a second children’s home was rented and opened for 32 additional kid’s colony. Today the home houses 350 children. Now officially recognized by the Indian government, Rising Star Outreach of India has been commended for the high standard of care and excellence maintained in the school as the children prepare to enter mainstream society.
As our team of Chef & Food & Beverage Professionals started preparing for the event at the home, the kids were excited to see what we were upto. The ceremony began at 3pm with around 100 kg of dry fruits and nuts, including walnut, cashew, dates, apricot and pistachio ready to mixed along with fruit juices and syrups. The kids were given Santa caps and aprons to get into the feeling of the Cake mixing Ceremony. Our General Manager, Sanjeev Mandal, began the event by explaining the history behind the ritual and it marks the beginning of the festive season. He also added that he cake mixing ceremony is symbolic of all the good times ahead and starting the season of giving on a happy note cherishing the bond each team member shares with the other along with kids. The event was filled with bubbling conversations, cheer, laughter, and a delicious hi-tea to enjoy. Each kid was also handed over packed boxes of goodies and refreshments to enjoy the evening.
