Lapicki of Gilbraltar and McCarthy of town of Greenburgh honored

Oak Beverages along with D.G. Yuengling & Sons, Inc. demonstrated their ongoing commitment in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter. They donated Yuengling beer for the organization's "Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale Event." The event, which was held at the Tarrytown Doubletree was attended by over 250 guests. Honored in the event were Gibraltar Management Real Estate and Development's Michael Lapicki and town of Greenburgh tax assessor Edye McCarthy. In acknowledging her company's longstanding relationship with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter, Oak president Debbie Boening said, "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society performs a vital service in helping raise awareness of blood cancers and raising funds to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. Their work in this area and in improving the overall quality of life for patients and their families is something we all should support." The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year" is a national campaign that focuses on raising money for the fight against blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. A select group of incredible men and women from 65 cities across America vie for the title each year in a ten-week fundraising competition. All candidates competing for the title of Man & Woman of the Year agree to utilize their leadership abilities to conduct their own fundraising campaigns for LLS. Every dollar counts as one vote. The male and female candidates with the most votes are named the chapter's Man & Woman of the Year. Their totals are then considered in naming national titles. Candidates are nominated by a selection committee made up of past candidates, chapter staff, local LLS supporters and the chapter board of trustees. Candidates typically have a personal connection to LLS or a willingness to learn about it; are self-motivators, enthusiastic, well-networked and success driven; have an interest in increasing public awareness of blood cancers; and have a track record of success in business and/or community endeavors. In the case of the Westchester/Hudson Valley chapter, each candidate is asked to raise a minimum of $5,000. Candidates raise money in honor of the Boy & Girl of the Year. They are patient heroes chosen for their strength and winning attitudes. Each becomes a spokesperson for the thousands of patients that have been helped by LLS's patient services and research. The families have pledged to help the candidates and campaign in a variety of ways, most importantly speaking at and attending events and motivating the candidates. Lapicki was born and raised in Tarrytown. After high school, he entered the U.S. Army in the Military Police. He then worked as a Westchester County Corrections Officer for three years until he joined the Tarrytown Police Force. He was promoted to detective in 1986 and served as such until his retirement. His father, Stanley, was also a police officer for Tarrytown, and he served with his father for several years. He joined the Westchester County Detectives Association and later served as its president. He served on the PBA board of directors as well. He now works for Gibraltar Management Real Estate and Development. McCarthy's involvement began with the loss of her uncle and a close friend of the family. Unfortunately, when McCarthy's uncle was diagnosed she had heard of leukemia but didn't really know what it was. When her friend died three weeks after being diagnosed, she vowed to do what she could to help find a cure. She contacted the Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter, introduced herself, and offered her services to assist in any capacity she could. She was inspired by the volunteers and employees that are so dedicated to the cause. She now serves on the board of trustees for the Westchester/Hudson Valley chapter. Her goal is to raise money for research, and to help LLS and the unfortunate families affected by this disease while raising awareness through the Man & Woman of the Year campaign.