The American Friends of Rabin Medical Center hosted its Annual Real Estate and Finance Networking Event, sponsored by Jones Lang LaSalle on June 2, 2015 at the newly opened World Trade Center One. Proceeds from this evening benefitted both the Rabin Emergency & Trauma Center in its acquisition of emergency equipment and the Rabin Fellows Medical Exchange Program.

Two hundred guests from various real estate and finance companies gathered on the sixty-fourth floor to enjoy an evening of hor d’oeurves, dinner, silent auction, and networking reception. Guests enjoyed a VIP tour of WTC One led by Robert Becker of the Durst Organization.

Peter Riguardi, AFRMC Board Chairman and JLL President of NY Region, welcomed the guests and emphasized how all those present were helping the Rabin Trauma Center, as well as the Rabin Medical Exchange Fellow Program, which brings visiting doctors from Rabin Medical Center to premier institutions throughout the United States. AFRMC’s Executive Director Dr. Joshua Plaut commented that, “It is our privilege to help the Rabin Medical Center and Israel.” Peter Riguardi presented the 2014 Deal of the Year Award to Cushman & Wakefield’s Mitchell Barnett, Bill Lee III, Jonathan Serko, Richard Serko and the Durst Organization’s Thomas Bow for the WeWork Lease at 205 East 42nd Street.

Following the presentation, Mitchell Barnett accepted the award and reflected on his personal relationship with Israel and reminded guests of the importance of tzedukah and charity. Guests were able to fully grasp the success of the Rabin Medical Exchange Fellow Program by listening to Dr. Yifat Snir share her story as a current Rabin Medical Exchange Fellow at the Mount Sinai Gastroenterology Department. Dr. Snir told the crowd, “I am sure this will be an unforgettable experience, and will greatly influence my professional life in the future.”

The program concluded with event Co-Chairs Mitchell Moinian of the Moinian Group and Spencer Pariser of Taconic Investment Properties thanking all guests, hosts and sponsors for the wonderful event, and congratulated all award recipients. Similarly, they reminded attendees how much their effort and support aids the Rabin Medical Center’s Emergency and Trauma Center. Mr. Pariser made a lasting impression on guests by quoting prominent real estate figure Arnold Schwartz in stating, “…this is not charity, we don’t do charity, it is our DUTY and OBLIGATION to help in any way possible and give back to the community.” As Mitch Moinian pointed out, “Centers like Rabin keep families and friends of the wounded together by the inherent services it provides.” Both Mitchell Moinian and Spencer Pariser concluded with words of gratitude for the support from all of the guests, hosts, and sponsors.

The guests enjoyed the breathtaking views of Manhattan, dinner buffet, open-bar, and live musical entertainment while networking and meeting old and new friends.

We invite you to join our New Circle Young Professionals as they plan for the Monday November 23, 2015 20th anniversary AFRMC Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street NYC. If you are interested, please contact AFRMC at 212-279-2522, or email AFRMC afrmc@afrmc.org.