06.27.14

Wisconsin State Journal: Hilton Madison Monona Terrace launches collaboration with cancer center

June 23, 2014 | Jill Carlson for Wisconsin State Journal 

The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace and the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center have collaborated to launch the Carbone Ribbon Room.

The Ribbon Room, located at the Hilton Madison, is a reconfigured premium lake-view hotel room redesigned to offer a bright, hopeful and inspirational environment to Carbone center patients as well as those who have personally been touched by cancer.

The Hilton Madison donates $25 to the Carbone center for every Ribbon Room reservation.

The room features customized furniture and literature to include cancer survivor biographies and a journal for guests to share their sentiments.

The room’s artwork was commissioned by Madison artist Angelina Paoli, a cancer survivor.

The Carbone Ribbon Room originated from initiative by Hilton Madison associates, predominately, Andrea Mace, regional sales manager for Marcus Hotels and Resorts, the Hilton Madison’s parent company. Marcus Hotels and Resorts, a division of Marcus Corp., is based in Milwaukee and has about 139 employees. Many associates volunteered to complete the room during their time off.

“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, who is also a member of the Carbone center’s Emerging Leaders Board.

Cancer affected Mace’s family as well as the lives of many Hilton Madison associates. The goal is to raise $7,500 annually through Ribbon Room reservations, which will be donated to the Carbone center to help fund cancer research.

The Carbone Ribbon Room logo represents multiple cancer awareness ribbons, and the bow shape represents the gift committed to funding cancer research through this project.

The Carbone Cancer Center was established at UW-Madison as one of the first six university-based comprehensive cancer centers of excellence.

The center is involved in groundbreaking clinical trials and research studies to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

In addition to the Ribbon Room, Hilton Madison associates participate in four to five volunteer projects annually.

Each year, associates collect 100 to 150 toys for the annual Toys for Tots drive. They also conduct a textiles and food donation for Porchlight during the holidays. The Hilton Madison is an annual sponsor of the Original Chefs Auction fundraiser.