Root Beer Floats for Kids: Celebrating a History Together

Every August, Marriott and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals serve up a celebration of root beer floats in communities across the U.S. and Canada. The refreshing concoction has a unique significance for our partners at Marriott. It all began for them in Washington, D.C. in 1927, when founders J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott launched a root beer float stand to cool off from the summer heat. This humble beginning expanded further into hospitality and quickly led to the company becoming the industry leader it is today.

Just as root beer floats will always be part of the foundation and history of Marriott, Marriott will be the same for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

In 1983, Marriott became the very first partner of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and joined our mission to raise critical funds for local hospitals. Today, forty years later and more than $148 million raised for hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, Marriott remains our cherished original partner. And Root Beer Float Day remains one of our favorite times of the year!

This month, in honor of the 40th anniversary of our partnership, more than 150 Marriott properties presented the perfect root beer floats in their communities, inviting Marriott and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals team members, local Champions and others to celebrate. 

At Marriott headquarters in Bethesda, MD, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Kasey served up sweet treats as Miracle Scooper and was joined by Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, Inc. and Clark Sweat, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Associates and guests were able to enjoy the special treats and hear first-hand about how their partnership has made a difference for four decades.

“At Marriott, serving our world is a part of our DNA and Kasey’s story is just another reminder of why we strive to make a positive impact in the communities where we do business,” shared Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, Inc.  

Root Beer Float Day is just one way Marriott associates support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and extend the same opportunity to their guests. Learn more about how Marriott associates are dedicated year-round to changing kids’ health to change the future. 

#FloatsforKids #ChangeKidsHealth