Kent Swigg, Man of the Year.

The Realty Foundation has honored entrepreneur Kent M. Swig for his efforts on behalf of New York's real estate community. Swig, principal of Swig Burris Equities and cochairman of Terra Holdings, LLC, received the Man of the Year Award for his leadership and dedication. He currently serves as vice president of the Foundation.

"The Realty Foundation makes it possible for [someone who has fallen on hard times] to go on and keep his dignity," said Jerry Speyer, of Tishman Speyer Properties. "The problem we have had with the Foundation is that we are becoming aged.

Kent Swig has become a leader at a young age, and he has the energy and the vitality to keep the organization going."

Larry Silverstein, who serves as the Foundation's chairman, noted Swig's involvement with various real estate and community organizations, including the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York, the United Nations Association, the State of Israel Bonds and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

"Everyone who works with Kent has only praise for him. He never takes anyone for granted," Silverstein noted. "He is also deeply involved with the community. It is totally fitting for the industry to honor Kent for his dedication and persistence."

In accepting the award from Silverstein, Swig thanked his Foundation predecessors Jack Weiler and Harry Helmsley, his business partners and his father-in-law, Harry Macklowe.

"This award is really about the Realty Foundation. It's done an unbelievable job," he noted. "Because of the Foundation's unique scholarship program, they are able to assist our next generation to achieve their goals in terms of higher education and I am proud to be a part of this. But when [one receives an award like that], one thinks how he came to make achievements. For me, it's done through my partnerships and my relationships."