Equity office celebrates 4-year commitment to the New York Pops 'Kids in the Balcony' program

Real Estate Weekly, May 21, 2003

Equity Office Properties Trust reinforced its commitment to The New York Pops "Kids in the Balcony" program by again hosting a gala reception, concert and fundraiser at Carnegie Hall for the New York City real estate community. Equity Office raised an additional $260,000 in donations from attendees of the black-tie evening to add to its previous three years of financial support to the program, all totaling nearly $1 million.

Approximately 250 real estate brokers, vendors and their guests attended the Equity Office-sponsored event, which took place Monday, May 5th. In addition to the 77-piece New York Pops orchestra, the electrifying concert event also included performances by Kathie Lee Gifford, Christine Ebersole, Keith Buterbaugh, Davis Gaines, and Dominic Chianese of TV's "Sopranos."

Music director Skitch Henderson, who that night celebrated the 50th anniversary of his Carnegie Hall debut, the 20th anniversary of The New York Pops, and his 85th birthday, founded the "Kids in the Balcony" program as a part of The New York Pops' education initiative. "Kids in the Balcony" gives qualified children free concert tickets to the annual gala concert and each of the six season concerts at Carnegie Hall. In addition, students meet with The New York Pops staff members, who prepare them for the concert going experience with information on the guest artists, the program and concert etiquette. More than 800 young program participants attended the gala concert.

"Our heartfelt commitment to this important and worthwhile organization has only deepened over the years," said Evan R. Kulman, managing director of property management for Equity Office's New York Region. "For the past four years, we've had the pleasure of watching thousands of children experience this amazing concert event while opening their eyes to endless possibilities in their own lives."

"We are honored that our partners in the real estate industry have rallied with us for this worthwhile event, their continued generosity is greatly appreciated," added Brett Greenberg, managing director of leasing for Equity Office's New York Region.

In addition, and for the second year, more than 60 young members of Big Brothers, Big Sisters also attended the concert. The participants were invited as a result of Equity Office's long-term relationship with that organization and with The New York Pops.

Equity Office Properties Trust (NYSE:EOP),. operating through its various subsidiaries and affiliates, is the nation's largest publicly held office building owner and manager with a portfolio of 728 buildings comprising 124.6 million square feet in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Equity Office has an ownership presence in 31 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)and in 136 submarkets, enabling it to provide a wide range of office solutions for local, regional and national customers.