Marriott Vacations Worldwide Celebrates 20 Years of Caring for the Children of Central Florida with Annual Charity Golf Event

ORLANDO, Fla., July 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) hosted its 20^th Annual Caring Classic charity golf tournament benefitting Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Since the tournament's inception in 1997, a cumulative total of over $2.5 million in funds raised have directly helped the young patients treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. 

"This year marked a milestone as we celebrated our 20^th year of raising funds through our annual golf tournament," said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer. "This great accomplishment is only made possible because of the passion and dedication of so many valued partners and associates that come together to make miracles happen for so many sick kids 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 39 teams, 85 percent of them returning from the previous year, sold out in a few, short weeks. Golfers, partners, sponsors and 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 celebration lunch catered by presenting sponsor, Talk of The Town Restaurant Group. Over 60 Marriott Vacations Worldwide associate volunteers and golf staff provided an exceptional on-course hospitality and golf experience for the participants.

Proceeds raised stay local and directly benefit pediatric and neonatal programs at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. The hospitals use these funds to invest in life-saving medical equipment, advance critical research projects, pay for uncompensated care and provide a wide range of services that might not otherwise be possible.

"Marriott Vacations Worldwide has a tremendous desire to make a difference in the lives of others and have a positive impact in the community in which they live and serve," said Rebekah Nantais, director of development, Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "Over the past 20 years they have continually strived to do more to improve the lives of sick and injured kids cared for at Arnold Palmer Medical Center. And their business partners have joined in their efforts, which have truly made an impact in the care we are able to provide to the kids and families who come through our doors.

"Their generous philanthropic efforts have enabled Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to fund cutting edge pediatric research, purchase life-saving equipment and fund pediatric programs like Child Life, where we provide therapy through medical play, visual arts, dance, music and more," continued Nantais. "Our promise to our patients and their families is that we will always strive to be the best— because the children and families in our community deserve the best. This is our promise to our patients and families, and it is the continued commitment and support of Marriott Vacations Worldwide that helps make this possible."

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 60 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. For more information, please visit www.marriottvacationsworldwide.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottVAC and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarriottVacationsWorldwide.

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. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at www.CMNHospitals.org and www.facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

SOURCE Marriott Vacations Worldwide

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