Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) recently hosted the 21st Annual Caring Classic charity golf tournament benefitting Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Central Florida. This year the golf tournament raised $220,000 for the charity, which brings the overall cumulative total raised since the tournament’s inception in 1997 to over $2.7 million in funds.
“I am so proud of our team and the effort they put forth to raise an incredible amount of money to help sick and injured children in our community get better,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer. “This extraordinary effort combined with the continued commitment and support from our partners year after year allow the hospital to invest in life-saving medical equipment and provide a wide range of services for so many families in our community.”
This year’s tournament was again held at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes where more than a full field of 40 teams sold out in a few, short weeks. Golfers, sponsors and other supporters enjoyed a unique on-course experience that included everything from shooting a golf ball out of a cannon, food trucks and a chipping challenge, all followed by a celebratory lunch. Over 60 Marriott Vacations Worldwide associate volunteers and golf staff provided an exceptional on-course hospitality and golf experience for the participants.
Proceeds raised will be used locally and directly benefit pediatric programs at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Marriott Vacations Worldwide is committed to its continued support of different hospital initiatives for the betterment of children in the Orlando community.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Marriott Vacations Worldwide and their committed business partners,” said John Bozard, President, Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation. “They truly understand the importance of providing critical funding for the care and treatment of our patients and their families. Because of their philanthropy, we are able to ensure that our youngest, most fragile patients continue to receive the most advanced care possible in a comforting environment. Whether it is during their time spent in our hospital or through treatments made possible with new equipment, the lives of our young patients will be better because of their support.”
About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global pure-play vacation ownership company, offering a diverse portfolio of quality products, programs and management expertise with over 65 resorts. Its brands include Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott. Since entering the industry in 1984 as part of Marriott International, Inc., the company earned its position as a leader and innovator in vacation ownership products. The company preserves high standards of excellence in serving its customers, investors and associates while maintaining a long-term relationship with Marriott International.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.