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." This recognition underscores why the event matters beyond mere fundraising—it represents a critical acknowledgment of the interdependence between New York's physical infrastructure and those who safeguard it. The implications are significant for industry stakeholders, reinforcing corporate social responsibility as integral to business operations in a city still shaped by the legacy of 9/11.
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 impact model gives the gathering profound importance, as funds translate into tangible support for those who have sacrificed for public safety. 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.
The event's growth to its fifth year signals a maturation of philanthropic partnerships within New York's business community, particularly in commercial real estate. By honoring industry leaders like Dacunto, it sets a precedent for corporate engagement with veterans' and first responders' causes. 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 continued support from sectors like construction and building services illustrates a broader commitment to social responsibility that extends beyond traditional charity, embedding support for heroes into the fabric of New York's economic landscape.
