Rose named Man of the Year

Real Estate Weekly, May 30, 2001 by Elaine Misonzhnik

The importance of giving back to one's community was at the heart of Daniel Rose's speech at the Realty Foundation of New York's luncheon, which recognized him as the organization's "Man of the Year." Mr. Rose, chairman of Rose Associates, Inc., has made a number of important contributions to the foundation, both financial and creative, and he currently serves on its scholarship review committee.

"Giving back to the cultural institutions is a win-win situation for all," he said in his acceptance speech. "That's the hallmark of the American spirit, and the Realty Foundation [believes in that] ... To help a broker whose down on his luck, or help a child get into college, this, I believe, is Lord's work."

The "Man of the Year" award recognizes Rose's contribution to the Realty Foundation and his philanthropic endeavors in general. In his introduction speech, Larry Silverstein, chairman of the board of the Realty Foundation, called Rose "a Renaissance Man," "a decent, benevolent, passionate man, with a hundred different ambitions."

"Dan has a genuine love for creating wealth, so he can support the million generous endeavors in which he is involved," Silverstein attested. "[He] has earned the respect, the admiration, and the affection of the entire Realty Foundation."

"There's no greater accomplishment than helping other human beings, all in our great profession," said Jerry Cohen, the board's president.

In accepting the award, Mr. Rose made a special point of the real estate industry's continuous efforts to help the City of New York thrive as the country's cultural capital.

"I am very much a person in the context," he said. "I admit to be proud of my family, proud of my firm, proud to be a member of the real estate industry. The real estate field is special: virtually every singly museum, every college, every cultural institution in this City has received major capital, major help from the people in the real estate industry. There are several reasons, for this, one of which, of course, is that we have the money to give...But usually it comes out of the love for the City. What we have here is the industry that ... always showed an understanding of the value of giving back."

Mr. Rose also put emphasis on the importance of the Realty Foundation itself, an organization which according to its members is there "to help brokers in financial distress."

"The Realty Foundation was created to help people who were down on their luck," he concluded. "I personally read every application and sign every check that goes out and I can assure you that your money is going to a good cause. And I thank you warmly for your help."

The luncheon took place on May 24 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.