Dozens of people are rappelling 26 stories down the side of the San Jose Marriott hotel Thursday to raise awareness about drug and alcohol addiction.
The event was put together by Shatterproof, an organization that works with families, educators, health care providers and lawmakers to prevent drug and alcohol abuse and help addicts recover.
Shatterproof founder Gary Mendell was scheduled to be the first to rappel down the building this morning, and 49 others were expected to follow his lead until 2:30 p.m. as part of the first-ever "Rise Above Addiction" event.
Mendell formed the organization after his 25-year-old son committed suicide in October 2011 following a struggle with addiction, according to the Shattterproof website.
The participants -- who include a Marriott employee, family members of those affected by addiction, and local residents -- each raised money for the event, and more than $60,000 in donations has been collected, event publicist Samara Diapoulos said.
Those looking for more information on addiction, resources and how to donate can visit www.shatterproof.org.
