The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, led by J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr. and his brother Richard (Dick) Marriott, has given millions to organizations focused on healthcare, early childhood education and intervention in underserved areas. They currently fund research in the field of cell regeneration, targeting heart tissue and mitochondria in memory of Bill and Donna Marriott’s son, Stephen, who died from a rare mitochondrial disorder.
Children’s National Early Childhood Innovation Network received a major gift from Bill Marriott to further their work in Wards 7 and 8. This year, the Foundation has also focused its efforts on restoration work at Washington National Cathedral to repair earthquake damage.The philanthropic spirit runs deep in the family behind the world’s largest hotel chain.
Donna Marriott sits on the board of the American Heart Association, where she has helped lead the Heart Luncheon for decades. Daughter Debbie Marriott Harrison is on the board of DC CAP and a board member along with her brother David, of the family foundation.
David Marriott is also the incoming vice chairman of the St. Albans School board. His wife Carrie Marriott continues to serve locally on the boards of the Washington Ballet and the Executive Committee of Children’s National Medical Center Foundation as well as Fair Chance’s advisory board.
She co-founded the MS Women on the Move Luncheon, which has raised more than $3 million for multiple sclerosis research and local programs and services. Bill and Donna’s daughter-in-law Angie Marriott has chaired the National Zoo Gala and the Heart Luncheon for the American Heart Association.
