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Hilton Madison Launches "Carbone Ribbon Room" to Support the UW Carbone Cancer Center

MCS | February 5, 2014

The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace hotel, owned and managed by Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels & Resorts, today announced its Carbone Ribbon Room, to support the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC). Each night the room is reserved, the Hilton Madison will donate $25 to UWCCC. Patients being treated at UWCCC will also have the opportunity to stay in the Carbone Ribbon Room, as an effort to provide additional relaxation and support during their road to recovery. The Carbone Ribbon Room will be unveiled to the media and the public on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at a special ribbon cutting ceremony and reception.

As a result of the 1971 National Cancer Act, the Carbone Cancer Center was established at UW-Madison as one of the first six university-based comprehensive cancer centers of excellence. The UWCCC is involved in groundbreaking clinical trials and research studies to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

The Hilton Madison has reconfigured and redesigned one of the hotel’s premium lakeview rooms to offer a bright and inspirational environment. The Carbone Ribbon Room will feature a journal to share personal stories, a compilation of sentimental narratives, and many more local, unique elements. The artwork in the room is commissioned by local Madison artist and resident, Angelina Paoli. Paoli is a cancer survivor herself. The Carbone Ribbon Room logo represents multiple cancer awareness ribbons, and the bow shape represents the gift committed towards funding cancer research through the Carbone Ribbon Room project.

“We are excited about the Hilton Madison’s new initiative to raise awareness for the UW Carbone Cancer Center, while also supporting our patients,” said Janie Winston, UW Carbone Cancer Center outreach specialist. “This is another excellent example of a local business making a difference in the future of cancer research on a local, regional, and national level, and we are most appreciative.”

The Carbone Ribbon Room originated from the initiative of a team of Hilton Madison associates. Andrea Mace, regional sales manager for Marcus Hotels & Resorts, is an active member of the UWCCC Emerging Leaders Board (ELB), and the Carbone Ribbon Room concept was conceived through Andrea’s devoted involvement with the UWCCC. Andrea has been the driving force behind the project from the beginning and has been involved in every detail. The impact of cancer on Andrea’s family, like so many others, brings a level of honor and dedication to this important project.

“Cancer touches many, and we all have a story to tell. By partnering with UWCCC on the Carbone Ribbon Room, we hope to generate awareness and inspire others to take a creative approach to community involvement,” said Mace. “The UW Carbone Cancer Center is recognized as one of the nation’s leading innovators in cancer research, and we’re fortunate that it’s right here in Madison. This room enables the Hilton Madison to connect with the local community, encourage survivors and family members affected by cancer to share their stories, and to help fund essential research.”

“As a hotel, our job is to provide excellent hospitality and to make guests feel welcome and relaxed during their stay with us. Our associates banded together to take our mission one step further by generating awareness and support of this important cause. I am very proud of our entire staff here at the hotel,” said Ranette Maurer, director of sales and marketing for the Hilton Madison.

Kyra Popp, sales manager at the Hilton Madison added: “The Carbone Ribbon Room is an ideal way to leverage the resources we have at the Hilton Madison to make a difference and be a part of something bigger than yourself. I have personally been touched by many people that have had cancer, and fortunately with the medical advances made in detection and treatment, many have overcome their battle. With funds going directly towards UWCCC, the creation of the Carbone Ribbon Room will aid in further advancement towards curing and preventing all types of cancer.”

Chris Kessler, controller for the Hilton Madison, recently lost his sister, Kellie to cancer, and shares his thoughts about why the Carbone Ribbon Room is so important. “Kellie always reminded me how important it is to have a positive attitude when fighting this battle and the Carbone Ribbon Room is an excellent way to show that to the community. Kellie was involved with the Hilton Madison for over 10 years and the Hilton Madison has become a second family to both of us. The creation of this room will not only bring attention to this horrible disease that affects families everywhere, but, in a small way, also help to keep Kellie’s spirit alive.”

Giving back to the community is not something new to Marcus Hotels & Resorts. In 2010 the Pink Room launched at its InterContinental Milwaukee property to benefit Milwaukee’s After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) foundation. As of December 2013, $30,650 has been donated to ABCD as a result of the Pink Room Project.

Media interested in attending the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on February 27, 2014 at 4:00 p.m., should contact Ranette Maurer at rmaurer@hiltonmadison.com or 608-260-2363.

The Hilton Madison will share stories and images from the Carbone Ribbon Room project on Pinterest and Facebook, in addition to its website: www.hiltonmadison.com/ribbonroom.

To learn more about the story behind the creation of the room, please watch this inspiring video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fidQZJAEPrs.

For more information on the Carbone Ribbon Room and reservations, please visit: http://www.hiltonmadison.com/ribbonroom.

For more information on the UW Carbone Cancer Center, visit: http://www.uwhealth.org/uw-carbone-cancer-center/cancer/10252.

For Carbone Ribbon Room pictures, video, interviews and tours, please contact Ranette Maurer at rmaurer@hiltonmadison.com or 608-260-2363.

About the Hilton Madison

The Hilton Madison is located on the shimmering shores of Lake Monona, one block from the state capitol building and in the heart of Madison’s dining, shopping, entertainment, art and theatre districts. The property is connected to the Monona Terrace Convention Center, making it the premier location for business meetings and social gatherings. Located in the Hilton Madison, the award-winning Capitol ChopHouse is Madison’s power lunch spot and features great steaks and seafood. The menu offers organic and natural foods with local ingredients purchased from farmers’ markets throughout the area. The Hilton Madison was named the best hotel by Madison Magazine in 2011 and received the Planners Choice Award from Meeting News, among other recognitions. Reservations can be made by calling 866-403-8838. For more information, visit www.hiltonmadison.com.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in 10 states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historic renovations. The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels. For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).