HARTFORD, CT (September 24, 2015) – On July 29 Ron Wichowski, General Manager of the Hilton Hartford participated in the Shatterproof Challenge by rappelling down the 22-story Hilton, which served as the event’s host facility. Wichowski raised more than $1,000 for a chance to rappel, adding to the more than $200,000 that was raised at the event. Shatterproof, a national organization committed to protecting children from developing addiction to alcohol or other drugs and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease, co-partnered on the Hartford challenge with Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, an extension of one of the nation’s top hotel and convention center management companies, Waterford Hotel Group.

“It was a great honor for our Hilton team to host the Shatterproof Challenge Hartford again this year,” said Ron Wichowski. “I was proud to do my part in rappelling down the 22 stories.”

A total of more than 90 individuals rappelled down the Hilton Hartford during the event, raising vital funds to prevent and treat addiction, raise awareness, and breakdown the stigma about the disease. The Shatterproof Challenge is currently supporting key addiction policy initiatives at the federal and state levels and educating Americans through events, public service announcements and digital and social media.

About Hilton Hartford
The Hilton Hartford is a state-of-the-art, luxury hotel with all the benefits and convenience of a downtown location that attracts business, convention and leisure travelers. The hotel features 393 guestrooms and 11 beautifully appointed suites, many of which overlook the renowned Connecticut State Capitol building. The hotel boasts three executive level floors that have upgraded amenities and a private lounge serving a scrumptious complimentary continental breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and evening desserts. Every guestroom offers an array of personal amenities such as a coffee maker, iron/board, and all are equipped with dual-line telephones with private voice mail and high-speed Internet access. When it is time to exercise, the Hilton Hartford hotel in Connecticut features an indoor pool, fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center with the latest in cardiovascular and weight training equipment, a whirlpool and a sauna.

About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national organization committed to protecting children from developing addiction to alcohol or other drugs and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease. In the U.S. alone, addiction to alcohol and other drugs claims more than 135,000 lives every year – 370 people every day, 15 every hour. A well-funded, large-scale movement can alter the course of this disease and save countless lives. It has worked for cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And it can work for addiction by bridging serious gaps in funding and resources. Gary Mendell, a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, founded Shatterproof to educate, empower and equip families, educators, health care providers, legislators and others to address addiction on a national scale. His son, Brian, passed away at the age of 25 after struggling with addiction for nearly ten years.

For more information about Shatterproof, please visit www.shatterproof.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ShatterproofHQ.

About Waterford Group Charitable Foundation
In 2006, Waterford Group and its affiliates formed the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, a registered 501c3 nonprofit, which supports the communities in which their associates live and work. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of others through monetary and gift-in-kind donations, as well as volunteering at various events. Waterford associates donate to the Foundation through voluntary payroll contributions, as well as participate in numerous fundraising events each year. This allows the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation to support many charitable causes, both on a national and regional level.

For more information about Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, please visit www.waterfordhotelgroup.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @WaterfordPR.

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