Heights Hilton Hotel Lights It Up Blue for Autism

All month long the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton Hotel will be all lit up in blue showing its strong support for autism awareness.

The hotel joins iconic landmarks like the George Washintong Bridge in taking part in the Light It Up Blue campaign an initiative of Autism Speaks.

General Manager Craig Williams says the hotel always takes part in supporting causes and charitities through its Blue Energy Committee made up of hotel team members.

"A team member who serves on the committee has a personal connection with Autism and proposed that we participate in the Light It Up Blue (LIUB) program," said Williams.

That member is Erica Milo, who works at the hotel's front desk, who along with her sister Gina proposed the idea that the hotel show it's support by lighting a display blue or having employees wear something blue.

The hotel decided to proudly show its support by changing its exterior lights blue. Williams said it tooks of planning by the hotel's Property’s Operations Department which worked along with local contractors install install new light bulbs and a specially selected Autism Blue lighting gel was used to cover the exterior lights.

On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, the hotel lit up brightly in blue and it will remain that way all through April.

The efforts to spread autism awareness don't stop there as hotel employees are also showing their support by wearing blue scarves as part of their uniform as well as wrist bands. Williams says they also have signs up in the building which alerts their guests to the campaign.

Discussion about general awareness is also being conducted among employees and any guest who inquires about their Light It Up Blue campaign, said Williams.