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2011 Empire Ball Kickoff/Cycle of Discovery Awards Presentation

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, a unique reception was held at an iconic venue, to herald the upcoming Empire Ball and to honor generous donors.  The 2011 Empire Ball Kickoff and Cycle of Discovery awards presentation was held at the headquarters of The Durst Organization in New York City.  The reception area’s massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered such panoramic and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and surroundings that it was difficult to look away.  Many thanks to Jody Durst and to Lou Esposito for providing, once again, this marvelous site for the reception.

The reception kicked off plans for the Empire Ball, the gala event of the Real Estate Division of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Foundation, which will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.  That evening, tribute will be paid to three eminent industry executives.  The recipient of the Leadership Award will be William (Billy) Macklowe, Chief Executive and Owner of the William Macklowe Company.  Michael Rodriguez, President of Alliance Building Services, will receive the Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian Award.  Richard A. Laskowski, Vice President of Vanguard Construction, will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award. (You can read more about the upcoming Empire Ball here.)

The other highlight of the evening was the presentation to generous supporters of the Diabetes Research Institute’s Foundation’s series of "Cycle of Discovery" awards.  The awards pay tribute to donors who have reached designated giving levels with a series of crystal sculptures that represent the scientific journey; beginning with the evolution of an idea and moving on to the endless questioning, the complex investigation, the perpetuation of thought and the significant accomplishments made by DRI scientists who are committed to finding a cure for diabetes.  Peter L. DiCapua, Chief Operating Officer of ATCO Properties & Management and Chairman of the Empire Ball, Risa Y. Pulver, Chairwoman of the Northeast Board of the DRI Foundation, and Bernadette Toomey, Northeast Regional Director of the DRI Foundation, presented the evening’s awards. 

The following is a list of the evening’s awardees shown in their respective donation categories:

$250,000+
Receiving the award of “Realization” was Samantha Shanken Baker, who accepted the award on behalf of The Shanken Family Foundation.

$100,000+
Receiving the award of “Exploration” was Zeynap Inali of Quality Building Services Corporation.

$50,000+
Receiving the award of “Hypothesis” were: Richard L'Esperance of Centennial Elevator Corporation; Bill Ryan of Lane Office; and Michael Landis of Schindler Elevator Corporation.

$25,000+
Receiving the award of “Query” were: Rich LoCascio of Advanced Electronic Solutions; Samantha Shanken Baker, accepting on behalf of herself and her husband, Michael Baker; Al Hart of Edmar Cleaning Corporation; Bill Ryan of Lane Office; and John Marcato of PS Marcato Elevator Company.


Don't miss the fabulous Empire Ball on Wednesday, December 14!  Click here to register now.