Top dealmakers lauded at annual gala.

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) presented its prizes for New York's top residential real estate deals of the year at the organization's annual Residential Deal of the Year Awards and Charity Gala on Thursday, October 19.

Elizabeth Sahlman of Halstead Property LLC and Robbie Brown and Maria Pashby of the Corcoran Group won the first prize for sales. Joseph Barbaccia of Joseph Gregory Inc. was honored with the Henry Forster Award. The Henry Forster Award is given to a broker who has exhibited not only outstanding achievement in the residential real estate market, but also displayed outstanding ethical conduct in the profession and contributed to cultural, charitable, and community organizations within and outside the industry.

"With so many industry professionals who have accomplished so many great things, the selection of the award winners was not an easy task," said REBNY president Steven Spinola. "The competition was fierce and I heartily congratulate all our outstanding winners."

Taking the second prize in residential sales were co-brokers Donald Artig of the Corcoran Group and Raye Dube of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC. Suzanne Sealy of Prudential Douglas Elliman took third prize.

First prize in the residential rental category was awarded to Jim Mahoney of Joseph Gregory Inc. REBNY's most promising rookie salesperson of the year award was presented to Mary Latimer-Chung of Prudential Douglas Elliman.

The REBNY residential awards gala took place at the famed Copacabana night club and brought together representatives from the city's top residential real estate firms. Proceeds from the event helped to supplement the more than $2 million already raised by the organization on behalf of city homeless charities. Bowery Residents Committee, Inc. and Trinity Place will receive the proceeds of this year's gala.

"Tonight's event not only bestows upon the winners a prestigious distinction for their extraordinary efforts in the residential market, but also helps those who are in such desperate need of assistance for housing," said Spinola. "These brokers recognize that the city has provided them with the opportunity for an outstanding livelihood and they are thrilled to be a part of an event and an organization that gives something back."