March of Dimes honored industry leaders at its 26th annual real estate award breakfast held Thursday at The Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains.
The nonprofit, celebrating its 75th anniversary, focuses on improving the health of babies and mothers. Before the award ceremony, Michelle Herko, a mother of a premature baby, said she and her husband Ed received tremendous support through the March of Dimes, which provided helpful information on premature births and medicinal supplements to take care of their daughter Olivia.
The presentation shifted to the real estate award nomination of National Realty & Development Corp. in Purchase for its significant financial and service contributions to the community.
The event also commemorated Martin S. Berger, chairman and co-founder of Robert Martin Co., who supported the March of Dimes for decades before passing away in September 2011.
“Martin Berger touched the lives of all of us in the real estate industry,” said John G. Orrico, president of National.
The Martin S. Berger Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented to individuals who have made a considerable impact on the real estate industry in their community and show that same dedication to their business, family and charity. The March of Dimes recognized Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development Cos., as the first recipient of the award.
Simone said Berger always supported the philanthropy of March of Dimes, and he emphasized the importance of his service-oriented character. He added that Berger’s favorite quote by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill encapsulates Berger’s ideology.
“‘We make a living by what we make, but we make a life by what we give,'” Simone quoted. Â “Marty Berger loved that quote and lived that life.”
Richard A. Baker, CEO of Saks Incorporated who served as president and CEO of National Realty & Development, pledged $25,000 at the event in honor of Berger.
