Starwood Vacation Ownership Partners in Fundraiser to Benefit Children
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Held this past Saturday, Jan 19, 2013, the 32nd Dick Batchelor Run for the Children, was sponsored in part by Starwood Vacation Ownership (Starwood timeshare). The Dick Batchelor Run is the largest fundraising event held to benefit Orlando’s Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, which is a part of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Starwood Vacation Ownership, also called Starwood timeshare, was the finish line sponsor for the 5K (3.1 mile) race and Kids’ Fun Run.
Some 2000 runners and walkers participated at the event which was held at Universal Orlando Resort. Over the years, the run, which raises awareness of children’s health, education, and safety, has generated more than $1 million for the six core programs housed within the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families. These programs are: the Developmental Center for Infants & Children/Early Steps; Healthy Families Orange; the Orange County Children’s Advocacy Center; the Child Protection Team; the Healing Tree; and Teen Xpress.
Founder and namesake, Dick Batchelor, who is a past Florida state representative and is widely recognized as a children’s advocate, says, “It’s great to see so many athletes join us year after year to support the Howard Phillips Center. Every single runner, walker, volunteer, and all the race organizers play a critical role in helping to prevent and treat child abuse throughout Central Florida.”
In 2011-12, the Howard Phillips Center provided medical and therapeutic treatment to more than 14,000 children and their caretakers.
The support of Starwood Vacation Club for this event is only one of many ways that Starwood timeshare and vacation ownership gives back to local communities.
