Here’s where you’ll learn about our amazing CHOC Foundation Board of Directors members—everything from their involvement with CHOC to their special connection to our mission—and gain insight into the importance of philanthropy.
At the start of the pandemic in 2020, Chris Harrison left a 15-year hospitality career at Marriott International as an operator and executive to co-found Dauntless Capital Partners, where he now serves as a managing partner.
Dauntless Capital Partners is a US-based private equity firm dedicated to investments in the hospitality space. It is focused on identifying, acquiring, and managing primarily premium select-service and compact full-service hotel assets in high barrier-to-entry markets throughout the United States under Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt’s family of brands. The firm leverages its captive asset management platform and development team to deliver value-added capital investments to a diversified global investor base. Today, Dauntless oversees nearly 20 hotels with over $1.5B assets from Hawaii to Washington, DC.
Chris spent two years at Harvard Business School, focusing on innovation in operating companies. Previously, he earned his BA in English at Brigham Young University. He has served on numerous philanthropic boards and is currently chair of our Foundation Board.
In this Q&A, we spoke with Chris as he reflected on what it means to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference. Here’s a closer look at what inspired him to take on this meaningful journey and what he’s most excited to accomplish here at CHOC.
1. Why does CHOC’s mission of caring for sick and injured kids resonate with you?
Chris Harrison: Our family has always focused on philanthropy revolving around children. We find no greater impact or joy than in serving the most vulnerable. Helping support children and their families through CHOC has been one of the great alignments of mission, community, and impact that we have found.
For me, beyond the mission, this is personal. I was a premature baby not given much of a chance at life. A children’s hospital saved my life. This is the best way I know how to say ‘thank you’ and pay it forward. I want to help, in some small way, provide the same opportunity for kids who are in situations similar to what I experienced.
2. What inspired you to get involved with CHOC?
CH: CHOC’s mission and importance in our community deeply resonate with me. Having a world-class children’s hospital in our backyard that services families and children across socioeconomic, political, and geographic boundaries is an incredible unifier and fortifies our choice to live in Orange County. CHOC has touched the lives of our neighbors, associates, colleagues and family. Little is more meaningful than helping steward the best possible care facility for Southern California children in our backyard.
3. What does serving on the CHOC Foundation Board mean to you personally?
CH: Every time I show up at CHOC, I am reminded to be grateful. Grateful for life, health, family and the heroes who work there and live among us. I leave never regretting the time spent, and always wanting to be a better dad, husband and son. Spending time in an environment that makes me feel those things are priceless.
4. Why do you support CHOC? What message would you like to share with potential donors about why they should support CHOC?
CH: A strong CHOC is an anchor resource for a strong Orange County and Southern California. It means that there is extraordinary care close by in case of those dark day emergencies. It has a ripple effect in every way—economically, socially and personally by providing peace of mind. Continuing the legacy of powerful current and past donors is an incredible mission to be a part of and encourage. By building that foundation, we can continue to attract the best and brightest in research, care, technology, innovation and other life-saving resources. A strong CHOC leads to a stronger, healthier community to live in.
5. Do you have a favorite CHOC memory?
CH: Each time I interact with a grateful family or patient I am reminded of how precious life is, and specifically, how important it is to preserve and save it. This was hammered home by the power of the CHOC Gala Grateful Patient emcee at last year’s 2024 CHOC Gala. She was mesmerizing, charismatic, precocious. Full of light and life. To think that her light might have been extinguished without great care would be a tragedy. She is one of dozens who have reminded me how meaningful our work is.
Philanthropic support is at the core of CHOC’s ability to be there for patients with injuries, illness or diagnoses that might overshadow childhood. But in partnership with a generous community and our CHOC Foundation Board of Directors, CHOC is with patients every step of the way, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Together, we are helping create a hope-filled picture of healing and joy for our children.
Learn more about our Board of Directors
