New York Real Estate Industry Honors First Responders and Military Through Annual Tunnel to Towers Fundraiser

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, honoring Bill Dacunto, Executive Vice President of Silverstein Properties, for his dedication to supporting military service members and first responders. This event brings together professionals from commercial real estate, construction, public safety, and building services who share a commitment to philanthropic giving that directly impacts those who serve and protect communities.

Dacunto emphasized the profound 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." This sentiment reflects the deep connection between the business community and those who ensure public safety, particularly in a city that experienced the profound loss of 9/11.

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 how the real estate and construction industries directly benefit from the work of first responders and have a responsibility to give back.

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 tangible support addresses one of the most significant financial burdens facing families who have lost loved ones in service to their communities and country.

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 demonstrates how industry-specific fundraising initiatives can create substantial impact for charitable organizations serving vulnerable populations, particularly those who have sacrificed greatly for public safety and national security.