ST. LOUIS, MO (March 5, 2010) – In September 2009, two St. Louis organizations joined forces for the purpose of serving sick children and their families. Equis Hospitality Management announced at the grand opening of its new Homewood Suites by Hilton - St. Louis Galleria that it was partnering with Ranken Jordan—A Pediatric Specialty Hospital, to provide complimentary housing and transportation for the families of Ranken Jordan patients. Since Sept. 28, 2009, the first night a patient family member stayed at Homewood Suites, Equis hotels have provided a home away from home for more than 30 families. The not-for-profit hospital estimates savings of more than $30,000 in the last five months. In recognition of Equis' valuable contribution, Ranken Jordan officials today surprised CEO Michael Mullenix, President Jerry Fisher and their hotel staffs with a progressive three-hotel celebration.

The festivities began when Ranken Jordan President and CEO Lauri Tanner and a large contingent of hospital staff members surprised Mullenix and Fisher at their corporate office and whisked them away. They were taken to the three Equis hotels in the metro area that have housed Ranken Jordan families so far - the Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Galleria, Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Riverport - Airport West and the TownePlace Suites by Marriott - St. Charles. At each, there was a mini celebration with the hotel staff, as well as the families of Ranken Jordan patients staying at the hotels.

"The partnership with Equis has been a huge boost for us," said Tanner. "With all the emotion and stress our parents deal with daily, they need a place to get away for a warm shower and good night's sleep. The Equis' hotels have provided a comfortable and convenient escape for our families and they have allowed us to direct the revenue elsewhere."

Barbara Fleetwood, the mother of a Ranken Jordan patient, lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She has stayed at a Homewood Suites hotel for several months. "The daily pressure and danger of back-and-forth driving would be almost overwhelming," said Fleetwood. "My son's getting better because of the wonderful people at Ranken Jordan—and because his mother is able to be with him every day."

"My child is more secure and knows that everything's going to be okay if I'm here with him. I don't have much to offer but words, so 'thank you' to the Equis hotels people and the staff of Ranken Jordan for helping my family stay together during this stressful time."

Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital is one of a handful of hospitals in the country that provide rehabilitation and sub-acute medical treatment for children regardless of their family's ability to pay. For children with complex medical conditions, such as brain injuries or complications due to premature birth, Ranken Jordan helps bridge the gap between traditional hospital treatment and going home. Ranken Jordan offers care through a 34-bed inpatient program and several outpatient programs, including outpatient therapy, intensive day treatment and comprehensive orthopedic/rehabilitation clinic.