USGBC-LI hosts first annual Building Green Gala on March 19 in Uniondale

At the first-annual Building Green Gala, hosted by USGBC-LI on March 19, chapter members mingled with local professionals and policy makers at the sold-out event, discussing the importance of green building practices for Long Island's growth. The event was a fundraiser for the chapter and an opportunity to honor a local businessman, Scott Rechler, for his commitment to green building practices in his projects. It was also an opportunity for individuals from across Long Island's building and environmental communities to network and discuss green issues. The overwhelming success of the chapter's first gala more than fulfilled the expectations of the chapter's gala committee co-chair, Rudy Holesek. "Its success exceeded our expectations," said Holesek. "We reached almost 450 people that night with a very important message: That 'green' is here to stay, and that USGBC-LI is the green information source on Long Island. "When we were told a few days before the gala that there were no more seats available and we had to advertise the event as being sold out, I realized what a success it was turning out to be. As the guests began to arrive at the gala, we had full attendance less than thirty minutes into the cocktail hour and it was truly apparent that we reached our goal," said Holesek. Chapter chair Gary Anzalone said, "The gala was a huge success on many levels. By having so many attendees we showed that both individuals and companies are ready to get involved and make a difference. Many connections were either established or reinforced, making it a valuable event for all who attended." As a fundraiser, the gala fulfilled the goals of its organizers. More than $200,000 was raised to help the chapter expand its educational and outreach programs, reaching local municipalities and code officials and providing local contractors, engineers, and other building industry professionals with the resources they need to incorporate green practices in their projects and work toward LEED certification. Part of the funds raised at the gala will also go toward the development of a new Green Building Scholarships program that will reward local university students for their commitment to learning about the principals of green building. "This program will provide college students who are involved in the USGBC-LI Emerging Green Builder program with yearly scholarship awards of $1,500," said Art Desin, the V.P. of the chapter. The chapter hopes to replicate this success with the second-annual Building Green Gala, currently being planned for next year. Holesek said, "Everyone who attended our gala should take pride in knowing they have helped change L.I. This is only the beginning!" Photos by Jeffrey Holmes Photography