Realty Foundation of New York to honor Mary Ann Tighe of CB Richard Ellis

The Realty Foundation of New York, a nonprofit organization that helps real estate professionals in need, is celebrating its 55th anniversary. The foundation was founded in 1954 by a group of real estate professionals concerned about the financial risks facing the brokerage community. The nonprofit has since disbursed over $2.5 million in financial aid and over $3.5 million in scholarship awards. "The Realty Foundation is the only nonprofit organization that exists solely to aid real estate professionals in need. Over the course of its esteemed history, it has helped countless families and individuals cope with financial distress and personal hardship. To that end, we rely heavily upon the generosity of the real estate industry and its allied industries for our continued success in aiding our fellow members," said Patricia Frank, the foundation's executive director. The Realty Foundation of New York's Board of Directors is comprised of 75 real estate professionals, including Jerry Cohen, who was recently appointed chairman of the board, replacing Silverstein Properties president and CEO Larry Silverstein, who had served as chairman for over 14 years. Atco Properties and Management president Dale Hemmerdinger, the foundation's 2008 honoree, has been appointed president of the board. He was previously executive vice president. "I am proud to step into the role of chairman of this esteemed organization, which is needed today as much as it was when the organization was founded 55 years ago. Over the years, I have seen the foundation's funds, whether through financial aid or scholarships, help the members of our community and I am proud to continue the tradition of the foundation and to further its unique cause," said Cohen. The foundation will honor CB Richard Ellis CEO Mary Ann Tighe for her professional and philanthropic contributions at its 2009 luncheon to be held on April 28, 2009 at noon in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria. Tighe has negotiated more than 70 million s/f of commercial real estate transactions during her 24-year real estate career. Her high-profile deals have anchored a record-breaking 5.65 million s/f of new construction in the New York region. "Given her extraordinary accomplishments within the real estate and philanthropic arenas, Tighe is an exceptional honoree. She has made significant advancements to New York's skyline while also giving back to the surrounding community. She is very deserving of this honor," said Patricia Frank, the foundation's executive director.