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We all get addicted really easily to things we love. Some of those may be more addictive than others. I can't really tell what is like to be addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs or anything like that since I never tried to. So when I am trying to write about addiction is not really addiction, although some scientists are reporting that athletes with hard working training sessions are addicted and can't live without the bike.

SHATTERPROOF, A NATIONAL nonprofit addressing the U.S. addiction crisis, will recognize Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., for his contributions to mobilizing hospitality leaders to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding addiction. The event will be during Shatterproof's seventh annual Hospitality Heroes Reception on Jan. 23 during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit at the J.W. Marriott in Los Angeles. Hoplamazian and Hyatt have been longtime supporters of Shatterproof and its mission to end the addiction crisis, Shatterproof said. Recently, Hyatt served as the presenting sponsor for Shatterproof's annual walk in Chicago, the city where Hyatt is headquartered. The upcoming event aims to generate funds supporting Shatterproof's initiatives to reshape how addiction is treated in America. In 2023, Hyatt and more than 60 hospitality companies sponsored the event in solidarity with Shatterproof's mission and its founder and CEO, Gary Mendell-a former hotelier and chairman of HEI Hotels & Resorts, according to Shatterproof. Moreover, the event raised more than $2 million, contributing to solutions for addiction and addressing the public health crisis in the U.S.

THE NATIONAL NONPROFIT Shatterproof named STR President Amanda Hite a 2025 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes honoree for her efforts to raise awareness of substance abuse. Hite will be honored at the eighth annual Hospitality Heroes Reception, held during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit on Jan. 29. The event will also raise funds to support Shatterproof's efforts to promote addiction treatment in America, Shatterproof said in a statement. "Amanda Hite is a true testament of the Hospitality Heroes award due to her personal commitment to educate the public to reduce the stigma of addiction and ensure that people who use substances or have substance use disorders have a path to recovery," said Gary Mendell, Shatterproof's CEO. "We look forward to working with her and STR to raise awareness and bring change to treatment outcomes and research."

THE AHLA FOUNDATION recently held its 6th Annual Night of a Thousand Stars awards gala, recognizing leaders in the hotel industry and presenting Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels Corp. president and CEO with the third annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. The event also raised close to $1 million to support AHLA Foundation initiatives. Lina Patel, director of strategic franchise initiatives at Red Roof, also was recognized at the event held during the 2024 America's Lodging Investment Summit at the J.W. Marriott in Los Angeles. Shatterproof, a national nonprofit that promotes addiction treatment, also recognized Hoplamazian during ALIS. "The Night of a Thousand Stars Gala brings our entire industry together to celebrate the work and dedication of the unsung heroes of hospitality-the individuals at the heart of our industry," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation president.

THE "DIGNITY OF Work Pledge," launched by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Procure Impact, a B2B marketplace for overlooked communities, led 23 hospitality companies to commit more than $7.4 million to create 100,000 hours of paid employment for individuals facing work barriers. The companies are increasing purchases from vendors on Procure Impact's platform and regularly reporting progress on AHLA's Responsible Stay website. "As part of our Responsible Stay initiative, we at AHLA are pleased to support these hospitality companies in caring for guests and uplifting their communities while achieving responsible sourcing and community impact goals," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "The strong participation in the Dignity of Work Pledge reflects the hospitality industry's commitment to compassionate service." Procure Impact connects businesses with products made by U.S. vendors employing overlooked populations, including people with disabilities, refugees, veterans and those affected by poverty, mental health challenges, homelessness, trauma, incarceration and addiction, AHLA said in a statement.

Amanda Hite, STR president, recently won the 2025 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles for her efforts to raise awareness of substance use disorder and end addiction stigma. She is the seventh recipient and the first woman to receive the award. Meanwhile, more than 70 hospitality companies raised $2.1 million to support Shatterproof's efforts to improve substance use disorder treatment in healthcare, Shatterproof said in a statement. "I am honored to receive this award, but more importantly, to help raise critical support for Shatterproof and the transformational work they are doing," Hite said. "STR is proud to collaborate with Shatterproof as they lead the way in advocating for people with substance use disorder, their families and the communities this disease impacts."