26th Annual IAEC-NY Fundraiser

Another great night benefiting the EESF is held on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Photos by Lee Freeland and Melissa Aponte

More than 260 industry benefactors met at Guastavino’s in NYC on the evening of August 22 for the International Association of Elevator Consultants New York Region (IAEC-NY) 26th Annual Fundraiser for the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF). Guests were greeted by saxophonist Justin Jones playing smooth jazz in the courtyard. Inside, they were treated to the excellent, versatile band True Love Wedding, which played throughout the relaxed evening, and beautiful sunflower arrangements.

A silent auction was again held by Jonathon Sieg of Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia in Queens. There was something for everyone to bid on, from jewelry, to jerseys, to trips, to unique pop culture items. EESF was also benefited by IAEC-NY’s donation of US$10,000 to help educate children, seniors and college students. Organizer and IAEC-NY member Melissa Aponte of Lift-Tech Ltd. said it will “help the revamped Safe-T-Riders program reach more than the 3.2 million children aged 4-11 it’s reached so far,” adding that IAEC-NY has contributed a total exceeding US$355,000 over the years. In a brief oversized- check presentation to EESF Executive Director Shelly Johnson, Nicholas J. Montesano spoke about the Foundation’s importance, saying, “If we can just reach one kid to save them from getting hurt, it can save the world.”

New this year was a photobooth, which seemed to be a hit with attendees, who took advantage of the fun props to smile, laugh and have fun. As always, the food was outstanding and included such appetizers as baby Colorado lamb chops with rosemary au jus, jumbo lump Maryland crab cakes, grilled scallops on quinoa; entrees as a carving station with beef strip loin, a full Italian station with ricotta tortellini and parmesan alfredo, an American comfort station with Cajun fried chicken, molasses-glazed pork loin and three-cheese macaroni and cheese; and desserts as red velvet cake, New York cheesecake, key lime pie and many pastries.

Next year’s event, the 27th annual, will be held on August 20, 2020. Contact Aponte at melissa@lift-techltd.com for details.