NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Much-anticipated event attracts more than 800 industry executives, raises more than $1 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City mentoring programs

New York – June 16, 2015 — New York’s top executives in real estate and finance joined for an exciting evening of casino games and a silent auction at the 16th Annual Casino Jazz Night at Cipriani 42nd. The event benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s first and New York’s largest youth mentoring organization.

This year, BBBS of NYC honored two individuals for their remarkable leadership and contributions to New York: Anthony E. Malkin, chairman and chief executive officer of Empire State Realty Trust, and Robert J. Ivanhoe, chair of Global Real Estate Practice and co-chair of the REIT Group at Greenberg Traurig.

A must-attend event among some of the biggest names in the real estate and finance industries, Casino Jazz Night raised more than $1 million for BBBS of NYC’s mentoring programs, which currently serve more than 4,000 young people across the five boroughs each year.

"Each year, New York's real estate community comes together for a special evening of fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City at Casino Jazz Night," said Paul N. Glickman, vice chairman of JLL and trustee of BBBS of NYC. "This event is now in its 16th year, and support has continued to grow each year. The real estate industry has demonstrated that giving back is a critical component of the fabric of New York – it not only built this city, it continues to sustain the city through unwavering civic commitment. We are proud to help make a difference in the lives of underprivileged young people in New York."

Singer and songwriter, Bridget Kelly, took the stage and wowed the audience with a special musical performance as they enjoyed signature Cipriani cocktails and gourmet cuisine. Derek Fisher, head coach of the New York Knicks, actor Ralph Macchio, best known for his roles in the Karate Kid series and My Cousin Vinny, and Ron Duguay, hockey legend and analyst for MSG’s coverage of the New York Rangers, also came out to support BBBS of NYC. Over the course of the evening, attendees took their chances with casino games including craps, blackjack, poker and roulette, while others participated in the silent auction.

Earlier in the evening, the world-famous Empire State Building lit up in BBBS of NYC’s signature blue and green as a tribute to the organization and the impact it has had on young people across the city.

“Through the power of mentoring, we have witnessed how the presence of a caring adult role model can truly make a profound impact on a young person’s life,” said Hector Batista, chief executive officer of BBBS of NYC. “We are so grateful to our honorees, Anthony Malkin and Rob Ivanhoe, as well as our supporters in the real estate and finance industries, whose generosity allows us to fulfill our mission of providing young people across the five boroughs with much-needed mentors who will help them succeed in life.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s oldest 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, children of incarcerated parents and those in foster care – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Program, 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 mentor-based 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.