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Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Hosts 14th Annual
Real Estate Casino Jazz Night
Much-anticipated event attracts more than 800 industry
leaders,
raises more
than $1.4 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC
mentoring programs
New York – The
brightest stars in New York City real estate and finance
rolled the dice for a good cause on June 12 at the 14th annual
Casino Jazz Night at Cipriani 42nd. The event
benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of
NYC), the nation’s first and New York City’s largest youth
mentoring organization.
Big Sister Amanda Zapp and Little Sister Ashleigh from the
Cantor Fitzgerald workplace mentoring program presented
awards to this year’s honorees, Jonathan
Mechanic, chairman of the real estate department at
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and Peter
Riguardi, president of the New York tri-state region at
Jones Lang LaSalle.
The widely-attended soiree – a favorite of the real estate
industry – raised more than $1.4 million for BBBS of NYC’s
mentoring programs, which currently serve more than 3,500
young people throughout the five boroughs each year.
“Casino Jazz Night is a very special event that brings
together New York’s greater real estate communities for an
evening of fun and fundraising,” said Paul N. Glickman, vice
chairman of Jones Lang LaSalle and trustee of BBBS of NYC.
“We’re pleased to see this important event grow with each
year, and proud to demonstrate the real estate industry’s
commitment to improving the lives of young people in this
city.”
Throughout the evening,
attendees took their chances with craps,
blackjack, poker, roulette and other casino games,
while two-time Grammy winner Melanie Fiona, a
Canadian R&B singer-songwriter, wowed the crowd with
incredible vocal performances, and others
excited for a chance to win participated in the silent
auction.
New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton was also on hand,
taking photos and mingling with attendees.
This year’s event was chaired by Tommy Craig, senior
managing director of Hines; Steven
M. Durels, executive vice president of SL Green Realty
Corp.; Dennis Friedrich, CEO of Brookfield Office
Properties; Paul N. Glickman, vice chairman of Jones Lang
LaSalle; Adam R. Goldenberg, managing director of Equity
Office Properties; Anthony Orso, CEO of Cantor Commercial
Real Estate; and Glen Weiss, executive vice president and
director of leasing
at Vornado Realty Trust.
Crain’s New York Business was
a Platinum Sponsor for the event.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City’s mentoring
programs make such an important and positive influence in
the lives of young people,” said Hector Batista, Executive
Director and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “We are
grateful to our supporters in the greater real estate and
finance industries. Their continued generosity helps fund
our vision that all children achieve success in life.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City makes a critical
investment in the futures of at-risk children. Funds
raised provide a Big-Little mentoring match with the
financial support it needs.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s
first and NYC’s largest youth mentoring organization, has
served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk
youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based
organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring
programs to help children facing more complex challenges –
including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of
incarcerated parents – as well as the Workplace Mentoring
Center, which helps businesses throughout New York City
positively impact the lives of young people and build a
foundation for professional success. Additionally, since
1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training
and Professional Development to equip non-profit
professionals throughout New York City to develop and
enhance their own mentoring and youth-development programs
and organizations.
Through the support of individuals, foundations and
corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to
change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children,
matching them with caring adult role models – dependable
friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their
potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a
mentor and/or offer support, please visit
www.bigsnyc.org |