NEW YORK—Hospitality industry executives at The Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles raised more than $1 million this week to draw attention to the national epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction. More than 150 hotel executives rappelled down the 26-story JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live on Jan. 25 and 26 to benefit Shatterproof, a national organization committed to protecting our loved ones from addiction to illicit and prescription drugs and alcohol.
This “Shatterproof Challenge” aims to help end the stigma and suffering of those affected by addiction, and to raise funds to prevent and treat the disease. More than 30 hospitality companies co-sponsored the event. Leaders of the hospitality world marked the industry’s unity around Shatterproof founder, Gary Mendell, a former hotelier (Chairman of HEI Hotels & Resorts), whose son Brian lost his life to addiction in 2011.
“I am overwhelmed by the incredible support of the hotel industry,” Mendell said. “I am so grateful that these individuals showed their commitment to our mission of increasing awareness and funding for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of this disease. Together, our voice will be unbreakable.”
“Addiction has a devastating impact on families and communities and we must do all we can to help combat this disease and support all those who are affected,” said Jim Burba, founder of Burba Hotel Network and a host of ALIS. “It’s been so gratifying to see the hospitality industry rally around Gary and Shatterproof. Since he launched the organization in 2013, countless leaders in the hotel industry have supported him in big and small ways. We will continue, to build on his great work to address addiction head on.”
