Shatterproof ‘Hospitality Heroes’ Reception Convenes More than 60 Hospitality Companies
Raises More than $2M to Drive Solutions to the Addiction Crisis
Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S., recently honored Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, with the Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award. He is the fifth recipient to receive the award. Nassetta has been an integral voice on the issue of addiction in America, using his leadership in the industry to unite hospitality executives to take an active role in ending the...
Senior executives across the hotel industry united during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles to commend Nassetta on his accomplishments. More than 60 hospitality companies raised more than $2 million during the event to advance the important work Shatterproof is doing and to support its founder and CEO, Gary Mendell, a former hotelier (chairman and co-founder of HEI Hotels and Resorts), who lost his son Brian to addiction in 2011.
“I was honored to receive this award, but more importantly, to help raise critical support for Shatterproof and the transformational work they are doing,” said Nassetta. “The hospitality industry is disproportionately impacted by substance use disorder, and Shatterproof is leading the way in advocating for those struggling with addiction, their families and the communities this disease impacts.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, employees of restaurants and hotels (the two major branches of the hospitality industry) have the highest rates of substance use out of the entire American workforce.
Mendell regularly attended the ALIS conference in his 25-year hospitality career. After losing his son, Mendell founded Shatterproof with a goal of sparing others from the tragedy his family suffered. Since 2016, the hospitality industry has raised more than $5 million for Shatterproof during events at ALIS.
"I continue to be inspired by the incredible support of the hotel industry,” said Mendell. “Substance use disorder is a largely preventable disease, and it is through the generous support and awareness efforts of the hospitality industry that we will be able to reduce stigma and increase the number of policy changes and treatment resources to end this crisis.”
The 2023 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Committee includes
Robert Alter, Geoff Ballotti, Mike Barnello, James Burba, Patrick Campbell, Thomas Corcoran, Ted Darnall, Joel Eisemann, Clark Hanrattie, Tim Hodes, Merrick Kleeman, Dan Lesser, Gary Mendell, Chris Nassetta, Bill Reynolds, Anthony Rutledge, Stacy Silver, Paul Whetsell, and Mark Woodworth.
About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where addiction never defines or ends a life. Guided by its mission to transform systems, support families, and end stigma, Shatterproof advances evidence-based solutions to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery; drives policy change to strengthen addiction care and accountability; educates the public to replace stigma with understanding; and equips families with trusted resources and support. Grounded in science and rigorous measurement, Shatterproof helps people today while catalyzing lasting systems change for future generations.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.