NYC Gala and Auction raises funds for organization’s mission to provide housing and supportive services for low-income New Yorkers
Stamford, Conn. – April 29, 2016 – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty announced today that Karen Sheftell, an agent from the firm’s Stamford brokerage, recently presented the “Jason Sheftell Memorial Award” in memory of her son at a special gala dinner and auction benefit for the Bailey House in New York City. This non-profit organization aims to transform the lives of people with or at risk of HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses through housing, health services and community support. The award was created three years ago in honor of Jason, a former Daily News real estate editor and true New Yorker who was greatly involved with the Bailey House and its cause.
For over 32 years, the Bailey House has served homeless people with HIV/AIDS in New York City, opening the nation’s first congregate residence. This establishment sparked demand for supportive housing among AIDS activists across the country. Today, the Bailey House serves more than 1,900 men, women and children throughout the city, addressing homelessness, poverty, hunger, substance abuse, mental illness and other critical issues in our society.
The Bailey House annual gala and auction at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in New York City is a major fundraising event for the organization, and has raised a total of more than $15 million since its inaugural event in 1988. The event began with an intimate gala dinner, during which time Karen Sheftell presented the “Jason Sheftell Memorial Award,” which is given to professionals who are involved in the affordable housing movement and other community efforts for low-income New Yorkers.
“Presenting this award in front of hundreds of people is truly bittersweet,” said Sheftell. “This is my third year attending the event, and every time I go back I am honored, humbled and amazed by the incredible work of this organization, and its efforts to better the lives of others through real estate—a passion Jason and I both shared. I am immensely grateful to have an award named after my son, remembering his dedication to the Bailey House. Honoring this year’s recipients for their support and activism is a wonderful way to memorialize Jason’s life and all for which he stood.”
All proceeds from the gala dinner and auction event go directly to providing housing and supportive services for Bailey House clients. For more information on the Bailey House, please visit its website here.
About William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty manages a $3.9-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 28 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty(R) affiliate globally and the 28th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. A full-service real estate firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty provides ancillary services including commercial services through its affiliation with Building and Land Technology, a second-generation development company based in Stamford, Connecticut; William Pitt Insurance Services; and an award-winning global relocation division. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com.
Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network includes approximately 18,000 sales associates located in approximately 825 offices throughout 61 countries and territories.
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Contact:
Andrew Wood
Director of Content
203-644-1983
awood@williampitt.com