ORLANDO, Fla., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, April 20, Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) hosted its 15th Annual Caring Classic corporate charity golf tournament, raising a net donation of nearly $180,000 for Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network Hospitals — exceeding last year's record breaking donation. This represents a cumulative total of nearly $1.6 million in funds raised since the tournament's inception that directly benefit the young patients of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies and Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida.

"One of our company's core values is giving back to the communities we live and work in," said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. "For over 28 years, we have been passionate supporters of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Thanks to the commitment of our associates and valued partners we are able help make a critical difference in the lives of children right here in Central Florida."

This year's tournament took place at Marriott's Grande Pines Golf Club, located at 6351 International Golf Club Road, where a full field and supporting sponsors representing 75 Marriott Vacations Worldwide partner companies contributed to the tournament's success. Over 60 Marriott Vacations Worldwide associate volunteers and golf staff provided an exceptional on-course hospitality and golf experience for the participants.

"We are so grateful for Marriott Vacations Worldwide's unwavering commitment to help create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves lives at our Children's Miracle Network Hospitals each year," said Cathy Droke, director of Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "The Caring Classic has become the highest-grossing, single-day fundraising event for CMN Hospitals in Central Florida as well as one of the premier fundraising events for CMN Hospitals in the region."

This year's tournament is part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide's overall commitment to the expansion of The Alexander Center for Neonatology at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

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.

SOURCE Marriott Vacations Worldwide