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JT Walk Grommet Island Bear Stomp ALS Enjoying Grommet Island

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HILTON VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT ACHIEVES EXCLUSIVE HILTON RESORT STATUS

Virginia Beach Hotel Joins Elite Group of Hilton Resorts Worldwide

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – February 15, 2012— Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced that the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront has been officially designated as a Hilton Resort. Hilton Resorts is a specific collection of premier properties within the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio that are designed for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in the world’s most sought after destinations, creating memories that last long after checkout. The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront joins a distinguished group of more than 70 properties located throughout 26 countries, each encompassing specific requirements above and beyond the existing Hilton brand standards. Less than 2% of Hilton properties have been designated as Hilton Resorts.

The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is owned and managed by Professional Hospitality Resources (PHR). PHR developed the 289-room Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in 2005 as part of the 31Ocean mixed-use development on Laskin Road at the oceanfront.

Accepting the honor on behalf of PHR, Bruce Thompson, President and CEO said, “When we built the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we wanted to set a new standard for the entire Virginia Beach oceanfront. We are pleased that our guests and Hilton Hotels and Resorts agree that our property is truly world-class. We are continuing to develop world class properties on the Oceanfront and elsewhere. We are in the final constructions stages now of more than $150 million in new development and are looking for new opportunities every day.”

Several features of the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront were instrumental to achieving Hilton Resort status. From the zero edge rooftop pool and patio atop the 21 story tower, resort guests and members of the exclusive Sky Bar can enjoy an unparalleled view of dramatic beachfront sunsets and the entire Virginia Beach resort district. Balconies overlook the ocean and adjacent Neptune’s Park with festivals and concerts that occur throughout the year. Located on the top three floors of the hotel, the exclusive Empyrean level rooms are designed to meet the needs of both corporate travelers and leisure guests. In addition to the extensive amenities offered in the rest of the hotel, the Empyrean Club Level features several exclusive services including a private lounge, evening hors d’oeuvres, and a premium brand bar with cocktail service.

The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront also features two award-winning restaurants, Catch 31 and Salacia. Catch 31 offers diners a one-of-a-kind seafood dining experience, with fresh fish brought in daily, a hardwood fired open flame grill, and a sophisticated resort atmosphere. Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Catch 31 is also a frequent choice for after-dinner cocktails and snacks while guests enjoy nightly entertainment at The Neptune’s Park amphitheatre just a few steps away.

The only AAA rated Four Diamond Steakhouse in Virginia Beach, Salacia features private dining verandas overlooking the ocean, and its stylish, leather and cobalt glass interior provide a perfect backdrop for an intimate meal, fine wine from an award-winning cellar and prime-aged steaks cooked to perfection. In addition to its Four Diamond rating from AAA, Salacia has received many other accolades, including Virginia Wine Master’s Crystal 5 Stem Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and Hampton Roads Magazine Platinum Plates. “We provide dining experiences that enhance our hotel and stand on their own as among the finest in Virginia Beach,” says Tom Miner, Chief Food and Beverage Officer. “We begin with a fantastic location, add stunning décor, ocean views and lively entertainment, and top it all off with award-winning menus and wine selections.”

3rd Annual JT Walk & Beach Party Raises Over $1 Million

PR Newswire

Rain Sunday Did Not Dampen Spirits In The Walk To
Defeat ALS®

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 3rd Annual JT Walk & Beach Party was held Sunday at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. In spite of wind-driven rain and chilly temperatures, more than 2,500 showed up for the walk and beach party. By Sunday morning, donations totaled $1,011,902. However, money was still being counted and donations are still coming in, so it is expected the walk will meet or exceed its goal of $1.2 million. This year's event had signed up nearly 5,000 walkers to benefit the ALS Association, DC/MD/VA Chapter, JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY and research grants in the fields of ALS and other neuromuscular diseases.

While the actual walk was curtailed by some, participants were still able to enjoy a number of activities including a huge beach party featuring top area entertainment, food and beverages and many children's activities. A large party tent provided plenty of shelter and room for the hundreds who came to show their support. Entertainment by the popular band Butter provided a festive atmosphere for the food by Qdoba Mexican Fiesta and Beach Bully BBQ. The concept of the JT Walk & Beach Party originated with local hotelier and developer Bruce Thompson, whose son Josh was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease several years ago. When Thompson saw the futility of the family's efforts to stop or cure ALS, he was driven to find a way to help others with the disease as well as generate funds for further research into a cure. Last year's walk generated enough funds to build JT's Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground for EveryBODY, a park for children with disabilities; contribute $400,000 to stem cell research; and provide funds to families financially devastated by the costs of care and treatment for loved ones with the disease.

"I continue to stand in awe of the dedication of the thousands of people who support the JT Walk," Thompson said. "Hundreds came out yesterday in some pretty miserable weather to show they care and to make a contribution to some very worthy causes that can make a difference in peoples' lives. It was cold and rainy outside, but inside our party tent there was a lot of warmth, compassion and togetherness that my family and I will never forget," he added. "Now, more ALS patients in Hampton Roads who are not as fortunate as we are will be able to afford proper care and treatment. I have seen this disease up close, and Josh and I have been determined to do something together as father and son so that his suffering would produce something good for others."

The JT Walk continues to accept donations and gifts at the website jtwalk.org.

SOURCE JT Walk & Beach Party
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