Annual Empire Ball in NYC raises more than $1.3 million for Diabetes Research Institute (DRI)

The annual Empire Ball was held on December 6, 2010 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The fundraiser, presented by the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Foundation Real Estate Division and heavily supported by the New York real estate community and its affiliates, raised more than $1.3 million in support of the DRI, topping last year's $1 million total. The DRI, located at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. This year's event honored Jody Durst, president of The Durst Organization, for his philanthropic efforts including diabetes research, and the company's commitment to the betterment of the City of New York. Additionally, Ted Moudis, A.I.A., senior principal of Ted Moudis Associates, received the Camillo Ricordi Humanitarian Award for his generous philanthropy in the battle against diabetes and his strong dedication to environmentally responsible building practices and design. Richard Heller, senior vice president of Malkin Holdings, LLC, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for his unswerving dedication to raising funds for the Empire Ball and the DRI. The event was chaired by Peter DiCapua, chief operating officer for Atco Properties & Management, Inc. and chairman of the DRI Real Estate Division. DiCapua said, "This year's event was one of the most successful ever and I'm so proud to be a part of the real estate community here in New York that continues to make extraordinary strides in drawing more people, more awareness and in raising more money each year for this great cause." Additionally, former New York Mets Pitcher Ron Darling, who has a son with diabetes, attended the cocktail reception prior to the main event and was a special video guest speaker. With the diligence of the event's honorees and committees, the Empire Ball was very well attended this year with more than 1,200 guests, including representatives from Ted Moudis Associates, The Durst Organization, The Donaldson Organization, Red Apple Group, Quality Building Services, ACC Construction, Tishman Construction Corporation, Transition Management, Malkin Holdings, Vanguard Construction and JonesLangLaSalle. There are nearly 24 million Americans living with diabetes - making the disease one of the biggest health concerns in the U.S. today. Since 1983, the New York real estate community and its affiliates have raised more than $25 million for diabetes research. The idea for an annual fundraiser was initiated by Charles Rizzo, principal of The Rizzo Group, after learning of his daughter's diagnosis with diabetes. Rizzo and DiCapua along with 10 other members founded the event. For 15 years, the annual fundraiser was called the Pyramid Ball. In 1998, the event was renamed the Empire Ball and began supporting the DRI. Over the last 27 years, the event has become the real estate social and fundraising event of the season. Past honorees include: Alton Marshall, Former Secretary of State under Governor Rockefeller; Businessman William "Bill" Shea, for which Shea Stadium was named; Charles Urstadt; David Baldwin; Gerald D. Schein, Lizanne Gaibreath; Edward S. Gordon; John Catsimatidis; Joseph "Dee" Dussich, Mark Gregorio, Michele Medaglia, Peter Riguardi, John Santora; and Frank Sciame - all heads of corporations and leaders in their respective industries. About the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Foundation The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 1-800-321-3437. For more information on the Empire Ball, please contact: Agnes Hansdorfer, DRI PR Committee (312) 203-6097, [email protected] For more information on the DRI, please contact: Lauren Schreier, Director of Marketing and Communications Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (954) 964-4040, [email protected]