ORLANDO, Fla., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) continues its rebirth as a stand-alone, publicly-traded company, it proudly announces a new charitable initiative that will focus its Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising efforts towards the expansion of The Alexander Center for Neonatology (NICU) at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Over the next five years, the company has committed to raise more than $1 million through existing and new Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising activities benefiting the tiniest lives in Central Florida. In recognition for reaching this goal, a portion of the neonatology unit expansion will be recognized as the "Marriott Vacations Worldwide NICU-Pod" which will memorialize the company's long-standing commitment to children, especially the very tiniest newborns.

"Since our company's inception, the passionate support of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has been at the foundation of our 'Spirit to Serve' culture," said Steve Weisz, president and CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. "No better example of this exists than right here in Central Florida, where our company has been a steadfast supporter of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies."

In addition to its corporate efforts, Marriott Vacation Club Owners and guests at its seven Central Florida resorts will also soon be able to get involved by rounding-up their final folio balance to the nearest dollar, with the additional funds supporting the campaign. Additionally, guests will be able to donate their spare change to the campaign by leaving it in special envelopes upon checkout. Either way, Owners and guests will be able to help change lives for the area's tiniest patients.

As announced by Mr. Arnold Palmer earlier this year, the NICU expansion will add approximately 19,000 square feet and three new patient "pods" of ten private rooms each to accommodate the increasing demand for critical care of the tiniest lives. The major expansion will make the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit the largest in the country.

"We appreciate the generosity of Marriott Vacations Worldwide and their support of our mission to provide state-of-the-art, specialized care to our tiniest patients here in Central Florida," said John Bozard, president, Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation. "The expansion of The Alexander Center for Neonatology will help us provide more room to accommodate the ever-growing number of families in need of critical care in our area."

About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is the leading global pure-play vacation ownership company offering a diverse portfolio of quality products, programs and management expertise with more than 60 resorts and more than 420,000 Owners and Members. Its brands include: Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott. For more information, please visit www.marriottvacationsworldwide.com.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at http://CMNHospitals.org.

About Winnie Palmer Hospital For Women & Babies

Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 285-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of women and babies. The hospital includes comprehensive fetal diagnostics and labor and delivery services, a regional center for neonatal intensive care, maternal intensive care and women's services. Annually, more than 14,000 babies are expected to be born at Winnie Palmer Hospital, making it the busiest labor and delivery unit in the state of Florida. To learn more, visit www.winniepalmerhospital.com.

SOURCE Marriott Vacations Worldwide