Insignia/ESG

Real Estate Weekly, Dec 20, 2000

For the fifth consecutive year Insignia/ESG senior portfolio manager Matthew Leaycraft brought holiday cheer to selected properties he manages. Working with Mr. Leaycraft, property owners Reckson Associates and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/ College Retirement Equities Fund, donated their allotted holiday decoration budgets to the New York City Mission Society, replacing traditional decorations with a new kind of holiday cheer.

In place of the Christmas trees and bright red poinsettias, Class A office buildings 919 Third, 780 Third, 730 Third and 480 Lexington. Aves. are showcasing artwork created by the children of the Mission Society in their lobbies. The enlarged 6 ft. x 8 ft. replicas were unveiled at December opening ceremonies, where each of the artists were presented with a gift bag containing art supplies.

"Getting the children, tenants and community involved in the whole celebratory process really drives home the true meaning of the holiday season. It is the best gift we can give to our community," said Leaycraft, who conceived of the idea five years ago, and has marshaled its expansion. 919 Third Ave. was the first building to replace its holiday decorations with the original artwork designed by the inner-city children. 780 Third Avenue, managed by JRT Realty Group, Inc., joined the program this year, along with 370 Third and 480 Lexington Aves.

"Donating our holiday decorations budget to one of New York's most noteworthy charitable organizations is our way of celebrating the holiday with our community and its children," said Michael Berman, of Reckson Associates, owner of 919 Third Ave. "We're proud to be a part of this tradition that Matt Leaycraft conceived. The smiles on our tenants' faces when they see the artwork leaves us with a positive feeling, in addition to knowing the donations are being used to better children's lives."

The artwork displayed in the buildings was selected from hundreds of drawings submitted at children in the New York Mission Society's after-school program at Community Elementary School 28 in The Bronx. Artists from the ages of six to 12 submitted their drawings for a chance to have their creations prominently displayed in the lobbies of New York City's most prestigious commercial properties.

"Children have a touching way of expressing themselves through art," said Stephanie Palmer, Executive director of New York City Mission Society. "At this time of year, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the children than to exhibit their work. First with 919 Third Ave., and now 780 Third, 730 Third and 480 Lexington Aves., they have truly honored the children once again."