Shatterproof, a national non-profit dedicated to reducing the devastation that addiction to prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and alcohol causes to families, will host a public rappel 22 stories off of the Beacon Harbor Point in Stamford on Saturday, Oct. 8.
The fundraiser will bring new attention to the opioid epidemic, which kills 30,000 Americans every year as overdose-related death rates continue to rise.
It is part of the third annual Shatterproof Challenge Rappel, a series of rappel events across major cities with hundreds of participants. This year’s Challenge kicked off in Dallas on May 21 and has already raised over $2 million.
Rapellers, pictured on the Shatterproof.org website
“The Shatterproof Challenge brings people together to conquer their fears,” said Shatterproof founder and CEO Gary Mendell. “The hardest step in recovery is the first one – just like in a rappel. After that, it’s one step at a time until you safely hit the ground surrounded by friends and family.”
What: 150 local residents rappelling from the Beacon Harbor Point
When: Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1 Harbor Point Drive, Stamford, CT
Who: Gary Mendell, founder and CEO, Shatterproof (founder, former CEO, HEI Hotels & Resort)
150+ rappelling participants with personal stories of addiction
100+ community members, business leaders, advocates
This event is open to the public.
Gary Mendell is the founder and CEO of Shatterproof. Mr. Mendell founded Shatterproof to spare others the tragedy his family suffered with the death of his son Brian, who lost his battle with addiction in 2011. Mr. Mendell is the founder and former CEO of HEI Hotels & Resort and the former president of Starwood Lodging Trust.
Shatterproof is a national organization committed to protecting loved ones from addiction to illicit and prescription drugs, and alcohol, and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease. Shatterproof provides information and resources for those living with addiction and their families, enabling powerful new evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery, and takes the issue to the steps of Capitol Hill.