Ottawa Marriott Hotel and Kisses for Kids Raise Dollars and Awareness

OTTAWA--(Marketwire - Sep 16, 2011) - Gorgeous weather and giving hearts combined for a successful Kisses for Kids fund raising event in Ottawa this year. Contributions amounted to $13,500, all going to benefit Children's Miracle Network and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Hosted by the Ottawa Marriott Hotel on August 31, 2011, supporters of the 9^th Annual Kisses for Kids gathered to raise funds for the hospital which provides a wide variety of pediatric programs, research, equipment, education and assistance to families in crisis. Fund-raising events like Kisses for Kids are an important means of ensuring that the hospital stays at the forefront of the fight to provide exceptional pediatric health care for children in the Ottawa area.

While the Ottawa luxury hotel's associates took turns dressing up as the CHEO Bear mascot, event volunteers -- many of whom were children of the hotel's associates -- helped with the festivities which included a steady flow of Starbucks coffee drinks, a tantalizing barbecue lunch prepared by the hotel's own Chef Robin Bowen and the sale of an exciting variety of silent and live auction items.

According to Director of Room Operations Mark McCue, who also doubled as auctioneer for the live event, the largest single fund-raiser was the donation of a vacation package that included four nights at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa along with a West Jet flight that sold for $1,800. Other hotel properties from all-across Canada donated accommodations, many with complimentary meals included. Other items garnering bids included a donation of dinner for 6 at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel's Spin restaurant, donated by Chef Bowen; two one-year Kent Club memberships provided by the Ottawa Marriott fitness centre; a $100 gift card and cosmetic basket from Holt Renfrew Ottawa by Norma Barker; a Via Rail Ticket Voucher for two and other excellent items.

As the day wore on, event staff welcomed a constant stream of visitors flowing to the Ottawa hotel's downtown location at the corner of Sparks and Kent streets. The live auction netted $3,825 for the cause and the silent auction brought in $2,595. While sales of Starbucks inside the coffeehouse netted $1,950 for the day, the BBQ and outdoor coffee drive went over the top to raise $5,130.

Hotel associates and Kisses for Kids volunteers celebrated the day as a success. The Ottawa Marriott Hotel was proud to play host to such an esteemed charity event and planners already look forward to another successful fund raiser in 2012.

About the Ottawa Marriott Hotel

The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is conveniently located in the city's centre near popular downtown attractions and just steps from the Ottawa Congress Centre, Parliament Buildings, Rideau Canal and Byward Market. A favorite among business travelers, the Marriott is an exceptional choice among downtown Ottawa family hotels as well; offering a game room, Kids' Zone and a variety of pool toys for added enjoyment while taking advantage of the hotel's large heated indoor pool. For complete information or to make reservations visit the hotel online at www.marriott.com/yowmc.