Bank director's Gala hero.

Robert A. Verrone, managing director of Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, was honored at the 19th Annual Gala to benefit the Starlight Children's Foundation of NY NJ CT. The Gala was held on Thursday, March 4, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Warren Kornblum, chief marketing officer of Toys R Us, Inc., was also honored at the Gala.

"Robert Verrone is an outstanding real estate professional and represents a new generation of finance executives who are as passionate about making contributions to our children and the community as much as to the world of business," said Jeffrey Gural, president of Starlight's tri-state foundation and co-Gala chairman.

"We are proud to honor Robert Verrone this year and delighted with the outstanding response the real estate and business communities have had to the Gala. It's a truly great occasion and an important cause."

The Gala supported the mission of the Starlight Children's Foundation, which brightens the lives of seriously ill children. Each year, Starlight serves over 200,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In addition to granting wishes for sick children, Starlight funds special projects for hospitalized children and conducts a variety of outpatient activities. Starlight's goal is to help seriously ill children experience the simple joys of being a child.