Marriott Raises More than $100K for Hospitals

More than $100,000 was raised by Marriott International and 31 of its hotels and resorts in Hawaiʻi for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), which in Hawaiʻi includes the Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children (KMCWC).

The fundraising campaign is part of the Marriott Spirit to Serve Our Communities Movement, comprising financial contributions, in-kind giving and associate volunteerism.

(L-R) Ron Richter, Cheryl Williams, Martha Smith, Dawn Dunbar, Colette Forcier and Christopher Tatum

“Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children does a tremendous job ensuring the health and wellness of so many children and families here in Hawaiʻi,” said Cheryl Williams, general manager of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, who chaired the fundraising campaign. “Our entire Marriott ‘ohana is proud to support KMC and the Children’s Miracle Network.”

Money was raised through a variety of campaigns initiated by hotel and resort employees who enlisted the participation of guests and associates. Many of the resorts raised funds through a breakfast campaign, where a portion of the breakfast buffet sales went to the charity. Collectively, the breakfast campaigns raised $36,670. In addition, guests at some of the resorts’ restaurants were invited to contribute by adding a donation to their dining bill. Marriott’s management and associates also volunteered at the KMC’s Radiothon for Kids in August, raising $22,345. Other efforts undertaken by individual resorts included:

• The “Children’s Miracle Bungalow,” where proceeds from the rental of one of the Sheraton Kauai Resort’s eight private poolside bungalows raised more than $20,000.
• Employee-organized activities at Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club such as a food booth, craft fair, root beer float sales, movie night and May Day lei contest, raising more than $3,600.
• A Helumoa Pool Party at Sheraton Waikiki, where the expansive Helumoa Pool and aquatic playground was opened to the public for one day with a $20 donation, raising over $3,800.
• A benefit concert by Emmy Award-winning singer/songwriter Patrick Sieben hosted by The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, along with the sale of a special drink, the Miracle Mai Tai, raising $4,200.
• Associates and guests at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, contributed more than $3,000 through housekeeping and front desk bake sales, a lobby donation collection box, and other fundraising activities.
• Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel associates organized multiple fundraisers including sales of aloha shirts, lumpia, acai bowls, and baked goods, raising more than $6,200.
• A rubber ducky race and rummage sale at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, raising more than $5,000.
• The 3rd Annual Swing for Miracles Golf Tournament hosted by Waikoloa Beach Marriott & Spa at Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf, raising $10,810.

“The involvement of Marriott’s associates played a key role in the success of the Children’s Miracle Network campaign, and we are proud of their creativity and their commitment to supporting our local community,” Williams continued. “We are equally grateful to our guests for playing an integral role by partaking in the various initiatives and donating.”

The KMCWC provides lifesaving care and emotional support to children and families. The organization treats patients throughout the Hawaiian Islands and Pacific Region, offering services that include intensive care for infants and children, 24-hour emergency pediatric care, pediatric critical care transport and high-risk perinatal care.

CMNH Hospitals like KMCWC serve more than 10 million kids across North America every year. Marriott International, Inc. is a proud partner of CMNHs, which together have raised $115 million for children’s hospitals since 1983.