ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hilton Arlington will be the first commercial venue in North America to host the Ark of Hope, a wooden ark that contains the Earth Charter document. The Earth Charter Initiative, created in 1987 by consultants in 78 global countries, is an international people's treaty for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century.

Rick Clugston, Executive Director of the Earth Charter DC, Sally Linder, the artist who designed and painted the Ark of Hope and other local speakers will kick-off the exhibit during the opening ceremony on October 6th, 2007 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. The Ark of Hope exhibit will be on display at the Arlington hotel -- located at 950 North Stafford Street, Arlington, Virginia 22203 -- through the end of October and is open to the public.

"The exhibit will be an opportunity to strengthen the energy in the Washington, DC metropolitan area," Mark Driscoll, General Manager of the Hilton Arlington, said. "Together, we can make an impact through our commitment and actions in support of the Earth Charter and its mission."

The Ark of Hope aspires for nations around the world to spread hope and recognize the interdependence of justice, and economic and ecological integrity that together build a culture of peace. The Hilton Arlington is celebrating their endorsement of the Earth Charter by translating its values and principles into their lives by forming a committee to engage all associates by establishing hotel and community service projects moving forward.

The Ark of Hope was created as a place of refuge for the Earth Charter document, an international people's treaty for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. The Ark of Hope also provides protection for the Temenos Books, Images and Words for Global Healing, Peace, and Gratitude. Over 600 handcrafted books have been made by artists, schoolchildren, and citizens around the world, expressing their individual and collaborative affirmations for Earth. Visit http://www.arkofhope.org/ for more information.

Conveniently located in the upscale neighborhood of Ballston, the Hilton Arlington hotel is just 4 miles from both downtown Washington, DC and Ronald Reagan National Airport. A covered skywalk connects the hotel to the Ballston Commons Shopping Mall, and the Ballston Metro Station, on the Orange Line, is adjacent to the hotel.

Just minutes from I-66, I-95 and I-395, the Hilton Arlington hotel boasts fully remodeled guest rooms featuring contemporary furnishings and Hilton's luxurious Serenity Bed. Visit us on-line at http://www.hiltonarlington.com/.

Contact: Mark Driscoll General Manager - Hilton Arlington (703) 528-6000/ mark.driscoll@ihrco.com

CONTACT: Mark Driscoll, General Manager of Hilton Arlington,
+1-703-528-6000, mark.driscoll@ihrco.com

Web site: http://www.hiltonarlington.com/
http://www.arkofhope.org/