Hilton Garden Inn Staff Supports Autism Awareness

Associates at the Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South got behind efforts to support National Autism Awareness Month, an April observation sponsored by the Autism Awareness Foundation.

To help raise funds, associates offered guests special awareness bracelets for purchase and held a bake sale. For a small contribution, associates also were able to “dress down,” wearing casual clothes on their shifts on Fridays and Saturdays during the month.

In addition, the hotel switched out some regular white light bulbs in the lobby for blue ones to acknowledge “Light It Up Blue,” the campaign slogan of Autism Speaks, another organization that works to raise awareness of the brain disorder.

Autism and a related condition known as Asberger’s syndrome typically inhibit a person’s ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings and form relationships with others.

“While no one on our team is on the autism spectrum, many people know of a neighbor, friend or relative who is,” said General Manager David Ruas. Guests have been generous in supporting the effort, David reported. Autism awareness isn’t the first such campaign the Hilton Garden Inn has worked on behalf of. Last year, the team participated in similar efforts to raise breast cancer awareness.

“For our associates, these projects become a real bonding experience,” David said. “Whether it’s a winter coat drive for kids or supporting a local food pantry, they’re important causes everyone can get behind.”