The New York Commercial Real Estate & Contractors for Tunnel to Towers will host its Fifth Annual Cocktail Tribute on October 16, 2025, at Redeye Grill in Midtown Manhattan. This year's event will honor Bill Dacunto, Executive Vice President of Silverstein Properties, for his dedication to supporting military service members and first responders. Dacunto emphasized the importance of supporting those who serve, stating, "I hold our first responders and military personnel in the highest regard. They are truly angels among us, and we can never do enough to support them. 'Never forget' is more than a phrase, it's a call to action, especially for New Yorkers."
The event brings together professionals from commercial real estate, construction, public safety, and building services who share a commitment to philanthropic giving. Board Chair James A. Pirot highlighted the intrinsic connection between the built environment and first responders, noting, "Our industry depends on the safety and resilience of the built environment. From skyscrapers to schools, none of it stands without the life safety professionals and first responders who protect them. Tunnel to Towers reminds us why honoring these heroes is not just right, it's essential."
Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nationally respected nonprofit organization established after the 9/11 attacks. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families with young children, along with smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. This direct support addresses critical housing needs for those who have sacrificed for public safety and national security.
The annual gathering has become one of the most significant philanthropic events in New York's commercial real estate calendar, featuring premium cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and appearances by special guests. Sponsorships and individual tickets are currently available for those wishing to support the cause and honor the courage and sacrifice of service members and first responders. The event represents a powerful intersection of industry leadership and social responsibility, demonstrating how professional communities can mobilize resources to support vulnerable populations.
This tribute matters because it highlights the ongoing commitment of New York's business community to supporting first responders and military families two decades after 9/11. The event creates a tangible connection between the commercial real estate industry and the emergency services that protect their developments, fostering a culture of mutual support and recognition. By honoring individuals like Dacunto who champion these causes, the event encourages broader industry participation in philanthropic efforts that address systemic challenges facing service families.
The implications extend beyond fundraising to influence corporate social responsibility practices within the real estate sector. As major employers and community stakeholders, real estate firms play crucial roles in supporting local emergency services and veteran communities. Events like this establish models for industry-wide philanthropy that can be replicated in other markets, potentially increasing support for first responder and military families nationwide. The gathering also serves as a reminder that the sacrifices of 9/11 responders continue to resonate through ongoing needs within their communities.
