2011 Empire Ball Post-Event Committee Reception
On Tuesday, February 7th, the 2012 Empire Ball committee gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City for a post-event cocktail reception to toast the event’s success, to debrief, and to discuss plans for the 2012 Empire Ball. Thanks go to the Grand Hyatt’s Jim Dale and Chef Nick Rutanya for making such a pleasant evening possible.
Guests were treated to Chef Nick’s delicious hors d'oeuvres, many of which were created from recipes featured in the hot-off-the-presses cookbook, 1,000 Diabetes Recipes, written by Nick's wife, Jackie Mills, RD.
Empire Ball Chairman Peter L. DiCapua welcomed everyone and spoke about what made 2011 special for the real estate and construction communities that support the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI.) At the top of the list was the wonderful golf outing at Winged Foot Golf Club in October that was chaired by Bob Donaldson, of The Donaldson Organization, and which was supported by many Empire Ball stalwarts. And, at the Ball, a new fundraising vehicle was introduced, known as text-to-pledge, which enabled guests to pledge to the DRI in real-time via their mobile phones.
Mr. DiCapua introduced the 2011 Empire Ball honorees, Billy Macklowe, Richard Laskowski, and Michael Rodriguez; each of whom spoke about his pleasure in being involved with the Empire Ball. Former honorees Richard C. Heller, Jim Migliore, Ted Moudis and Peter DiCapua himself were recognized by the assemblage. Mr. DiCapua then introduced the honorees of the 2012 Empire Ball, which will take place on the auspicious date of 12/12/12.
Jason Pizer, President and CEO of Trinity Real Estate, will receive the 2012 Leadership Award. Mr. Pizer indicated that he is excited about getting started. Richard Wood, President of Plaza Construction, who will receive the Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian award, joked that he thought he was going down to Florida with Peter DiCapua to play golf, and, before he knew it, he was being named an honoree. On a more serious note, Mr. Wood indicated that a member of his family recently was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and now he understands the vagaries of the disease all too well.
Mr. DiCapua asked those in the room for suggestions about how to make the 2012 event even better than the last. The crowd responded vigorously, and you will have to wait until 12/12/12 to see just how much better than ever before the Empire Ball will be!
The program concluded with the awarding of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s Cycle of Discovery awards to those generous donors who have reached giving milestones. Among the recipients was Doug Donaldson, who accepted on behalf of The D.R. Donaldson Family Foundation and who indicated that a cure cannot come fast enough for his family. Also receiving Cycle of Discovery awards that evening were:
Ted Moudis Associates, Incorporated
Harvard Maintenance, Incorporated
Plaza Construction Corporation
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Former Empire Ball honoree Richard C. Heller treated early arrivals to an impromtu jazz concert
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2011 Empire Ball Leadership award recipient Billy Macklowe (l) with Rich Laskowski, the Distinguished Service awardee
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Michael Rodriguez, recipient of the 2011 Empire Ball Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian award
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Jason Pizer, who will receive the 2012 Empire Ball Leadership Award in December with Peter DiCapua and Charlie Rizzo
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The Cycle of Discovery awards that were presented at the reception
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Richard Wood of Plaza Construction, who will receive the 2012 Empire Ball Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian award in December, accepts his company's Cycle of Discovery award from Peter DiCapua
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Stan Doobin accepts the Cycle of Discovery award on behalf of Harvard Maintenance from Peter DiCapua
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Lucy Carter and Ted Moudis of Ted Moudis Associates with their Cycle of Discovery award
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Doug Donaldson accepting The D.R. Donaldson Family Foundation's Cycle of Discovery award
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