However, when they arrived in Salt Lake City, they had been having an exceptionally warm week and all the snow had gone.  Sahara still believed she was going to get to see Santa and spent all of her free time writing him letters.  When she showed Henry Richards, an associate at our hotel, her letters, he was very touched.  He decided he had to do something to make this trip a little more memorable for Sahara than just a bunch of tests at the hospital.

Henry's friend, Steve Chaffin, worked as Santa during the holiday season, so Henry gave him a call.  Steve immediately agreed to help, and Henry went and bought a few books and toys and wrapped them for Sahara.  That evening, they set up an unused suite at the hotel and they brought in Sahara and her mother for their special meeting with Santa.

While Sahara was having a wonderful time visiting with Santa and opening her presents, her mother told Henry that Sahara had been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy earlier that day.  Although the day brought bad news for the family, this small act of kindness by Henry and his friend brought joy as well.  I'm so proud of Henry, Steve and all the associates at the Salt Lake City Downtown Marriott for making this little girl's otherwise difficult trip so special.

I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

Making Dreams Come True