ABO raises $100,000 in one night for youths with disabilities.

The Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York (ABO) helped raise in one night $100,000.00 for youths with disabilities through its sponsorship and participation in the Eleventh Annual Bill Gallo Sports Awards Dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Over $1,000,000.00 has been raised during the eleven year history of the effort. The event, which raised money for the Learning for Life Division of the Boy Scouts of America, featured speeches by players of the Championship 1969 Mets, Jets and Knicks. The gala event was Chaired by ABO President Jerome Belson who was joined by Vice Chairs, Rudy Riska, Executive Director of the Heisman Trophy, Joe Cozza, Executive Director of Catering at the NY Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dave Davis President and General Manager of ABC--TV, Martin Gover, President Momentum Sports Management Inc., Les Goodstein, President of the NY Daily News and David Wegrzyn, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, St. John's University.

Honorees at the dinner included Ira Elenthal, executive vice president and associate publisher of the Daily News, Michael R. Loeb, president and chief financial officer of the Synapse Group, Inc., John Schmitt, center for the 1969 Jets and chairman of the board of the PFP Corporation and Bud Harrelson, co-owner and senior vice president of the Long Island Ducks. Also in attendance were greats from the NY Mets Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool, WEAN legend Dave Sims, Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets, became one of the most feared defensive ends of the early 1980's to lead a line nicknamed the New York Sack Exchange; Scan Landeta, just entered his 20th NFL season, he is the longest tenured printer in NFL history; Renaldo Snipes a former heavy weight who fought to a 39 and 8 career record, recording 22 KO's; Cal Ramsey, former New York Knicks star. His favorite memory in the NBA was "when my first basket I scored for the Knicks, was a jump shot over Elgin Baylor at the old garden"; Rod Gilbert, former New York rangers ice hockey forward, inducted into the hockey hall of fame in 1982; Dick Lynch, former Giants defensive back, old number 22, provides the color commentary for WFAN'S NFL New York Giants football coverage; Carl Banks, former New York Giants line backer for nine seasons and pro-bowler in 1987; Mark Breland, two time WBA welterweight world champion; Joan Hodges, wife of Gil Hodges, long time baseball great; Curtis Sliwa, host of the #1 radio show in New York City on WABC, the Curtis & Kuby show, is also founder and president of the guardian angels; and Sunny Beach, professional wrestler.

Other attendees at the dinner include several Learning for Life students who presented the honorees with awards, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Learning for Life pledge. A color guard presentation of the American flag was also made.

The event concluded with a silent auction with various hot items including a memorabilia signed by the 1969 Jets and Mets, Joe Namath and Tom Seaver.

The Learning for Life division of the Boy Scouts of America, which benefits over 32,000 youths with disabilities, provides an opportunity to participate in leadership roles, camp experiences and is adapted to the needs and capabilities of youngsters with disabilities.

Event Chairman Jerome Belson stated: "Once again the real estate industry steps to the forefront and helps those greatest in need. This is truly an industry with a heart."

About ABO: Since 1910, ABO members have been at the forefront of shaping New York real estate industry. The ABO continues to develop and maintain effective communication and networking not only between real estate professionals, but also with all facets of local, state and federal government. Through ABO affiliations, real estate professionals are apart of the industry's largest, most effective organization. ABO has also taken leadership positions in other charitable efforts, including a $4.5 million relief effort for the victims and families of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Our association also plays a major role in assisting United Cerebral Palsy in its fundraising efforts.