IAEC-NY Cruise for Safety

This annual dinner cruise once again successfully benefitted the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation.

The Lower Manhattan skyline was a wonderful sight to behold during this year’s International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC) New York (NY) annual dinner cruise. Rising above the skyscrapers along New York City’s (NYC) lower west side now stands the gently tapering One World Trade Center, which is taking its place as the city’s newest iconic structure. Sheathed in brightly shining stainless steel, the 105-story tower is on its way to becoming the tallest building in the Americas. On the evening of August 16, the setting sun glowing off the tower’s shining curtain wall enclosure served as an inspiration to attendees of what was once again the elevator industry’s largest fundraising event of the year for the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF). Although not nearly as well attended as in years past, the event still managed to bring US$15,000 into the EESF’s coffers – a tidy sum that will allow it to educate another 55,555 second grade students throughout the U.S. 

The evening’s warm temperature was pleasant, and a steady summer breeze provided an enjoyable setting for attendees to meet new and greet old acquaintances as they picked up their nametags at dockside and strolled up the boarding ramp of World Yacht’s ship, Princess. The traditional Champagne greeting presented by the crew members and the welcoming remarks offered by the IAEC-NY board members and officers set the tone for what was an enjoyable event for a worthwhile cause. 

Once everyone was on board the cruise ship, Princess made her way out into the middle of the Hudson River and sailed south and around Lower Manhattan. The trip continued up into the East River and under the Brooklyn Bridge, just beyond which the ship turned around and returned to Pier 81. Magnificent views of the NYC and Jersey City skylines, as well as Lady Liberty, highlighted by the constantly changing evening light, were enjoyed by all.  

Throughout the evening, the sound of intense conversation and laughter was continuously heard along with a lively musical accompaniment. A well-appointed dinner buffet, complete with plenty of appetizers, various entrées and a full selection of desserts, was provided for the attendees to enjoy at their leisure throughout the evening. As dancing commenced and the evening progressed, the dance floor filled to capacity. Still, most seemed to gather on the upper deck where the continual summer breeze and changing skyline views of Lower Manhattan and the New Jersey shoreline kept the majority of attendees out of doors throughout the evening.

As the Princess approached its berth, Joeseph Neto, Jr. of Joseph Neto and Associates, Inc. and Barbara Allen of EESF thanked the attendees for participating in the event, expressed their gratitude to the folks who (as they have in years past) pulled this year’s event together and engaged in the formal presentation of the money raised for EESF. Neto also announced that this year’s event was the 19th to be sponsored by IAEC-NY and that, in celebration of what will be the 20th event in 2013, he had something special in mind for next year’s attendees. To see what next year will bring, be sure to reserve your place early for what is sure to be another fine cruise around Lower Manhattan and an enjoyable way to raise a significant amount of money for a worthwhile cause – the safety of the elevator and escalator riding public!