Marquis gains special anniversary tribute
Andy Slater- 4 years ago
Marquis granted a wish for a leukaemia sufferer twenty years ago and now the manufacturer’s first Make-A-Wish recipient has paid a special anniversary tribute of praise after purchasing another hot tub by the iconic brand.
Andrea was only 15 when she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Chemotherapy was necessary to save her life, but this resulted in extreme joint pain and made her feel ill most of the time. Unable to attend school, she felt isolated from her friends. Andrea hoped a hot tub might relieve her joint pain and become a gathering place for friends and family.
Given the expense involved, her family reached out to Make-A-Wish® who in turn contacted Marquis. The company, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary since it was founded in 1980, immediately agreed to help and was so inspired by the experience it developed a lasting partnership with Make-A-Wish America that has endured for two decades.
Twenty years since receiving her Make-A-Wish hot tub from Marquis, Andrea is thankfully cancer free and loving life with her husband and daughter. They recently acquired a new Marquis hot tub, pictured, and when asked what guided their purchasing decision, Andrea highlighted the top quality production and customer service that Marquis is famed for, as well as the continuation to support Make-A-Wish.
“The Marquis hot tub I received from Make-A-Wish was still working when we moved out in 2014,” divulged Andrea; “It was an amazing hot tub, so why shop anywhere else? Plus, Marquis has well-reviewed and quality products, and provides great customer service.
“We appreciate that Marquis has continued to work with Make-A-Wish and fulfil other wishes just like mine.
“My experience was more than I expected. Everyone at Make-A-Wish was very kind and generous. I was thrilled to learn Marquis was on board to grant my wish. Marquis was understanding of my therapy and recovery needs.
“Having my wish granted gave me hope and relief from the pain I was experiencing. Being 15 years old and unable to attend school, I felt very isolated. So, the hot tub not only helped with the pain I was in, but helped me socially when friends came over to soak with me. We were in that hot tub constantly!
“Thank you to Make-A-Wish for doing such a wonderful thing for so many people! Children with critical illnesses are going through one of the most horrible times in their life. It’s such an uplifting thing to do, not only for wish kids, but for their families as well.
“The families are going through just as much as the kids. It’s so incredible how many people and companies support or donate. Thank you to everyone that is involved.”
To help manage the logistics involved with Make-A-Wish, Marquis employs a full-time wish coordinator who works with local Make-A-Wish chapters. Once Marquis builds and ships the hot tub, the nearest local dealer provides final delivery and installation.
Marquis dealers frequently donate their time and labour to ensure a smooth experience, as do many local electricians and contractors. Local fire departments even volunteer to fill the hot tub with water. Such generosity often inspires the entire neighbourhood and surrounding community.
Since fulfilling Andrea’s wish back in 2000, Marquis and its network of independent dealers have assisted with nearly 900 wishes for children with critical illnesses. More than $6.5 million in donations and discounts have been provided to Make-A-Wish America, Make-A-Wish Canada, and Make-A-Wish United Kingdom.
To mark its 20th anniversary as an official Make-A-Wish sponsor, the employee-owned company has pledged to remain committed to helping children with critical illnesses; and will never forget Andrea, whose wish for a hot tub still inspires hope.
According to Marquis Corp. President and CEO John Schrenk, the Make-A-Wish investment runs a lot deeper than money and provides the hot tub and swim spa manufacturer with pride in being able to deliver products to deserving recipients who, along with their family members, are facing major health hurdles.
“Make-A-Wish is woven into our company culture,” he explained; “Every wish we help is a reminder that—first and foremost—our products help people.
“This gives each of us a personal sense of pride and purpose, knowing our products ease physical and mental discomfort. Especially for wish kids and their families.”
Meanwhile, Marquis has been bestowed with a brace of WhatSpa? Best Buy Award accolades during its 40th anniversary year. These are for the seven-seater Marquis V94, in the £10,000 to £14,999 price range; and five-seater Marquis Epic, in the higher £15,000 Plus price category.
The Oregon-based manufacturer has also gained two additional 2020 WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Awards for its Aquatic Training Vessel (ATV) range, which are endorsed by legendary Ironman Hall of Famer Dave Scott. The awards were bestowed on the Marquis ATV-14 Sport, in the £20,000 to £29,999 price category; and the ATV-17 Kona Ultimate, in the £30,000 Plus price category.
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