Good Cheer, Good Humor, Good Deeds

Among the good cheer and camaraderie at our Annual Holiday Luncheon, goodwill also prevailed as the Civic Betterment Award, formerly given out during the Pinnacle Awards, was moved to the luncheon to keep with the spirit of this season of giving. The Award was given to Creative aArts Workshops for Kids, (left), with the group’s Executive Director Brian Ricklin receiving the award and a donation of $2,500.

The group pairs adult artist volunteers with young artists-to-be to learn all the skills necessary for crafts, painting and other creative development. Projects range from murals to documentaries to fashion design, and their work is often on display for New Yorkers to enjoy. Most importantly, the adult volunteers lend a listening ear, patience and willingness to serve as a role model, helping the kids to build confidence.

Giving continued to be in the air with the presentation of a check for $4,520 to Hope for the Warriors. The funds were raised as a result of the silent and live auction held at our Annual Dinner Dance. The group’s Executive Vice President, Tina Atherall, is shown here with BOMA/NY Executive Director Roberta M. McGowan, CAE, BOMA/NY President Louis J. Mantia and BOMA/NY member Bill Costello.

In addition, a 50/50 raffle raised more than $2,600 in donations to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

And, we were able to uphold a BOMA/NY tradition by giving out six scholarships. Our proud scholars are shown here (with their intended designation), left to right, with BOMA/NY President Louis J. Mantia, Chair of the Scholarship Committee Gail S. Duke, RPA , Constantino Arroyo (RPA), Cohen Brothers Realty Corp.; Sabina Vuolo (RPA), Piedmont Office Realty Trust; Nicholas Mather (RPA), CBRE, Inc.; Dara L. Flynn (RPA), Brookbridge Consulting Services, Inc.; Joseph Dagro (RPA), Murray Hill Properties; Nicholas Speirs (SMA), Rudin Management, Co., Inc. and Morris Wiesenberg, a long-standing member of the teaching faculty for the BOMI designation classes.