The Muscular Dystrophy Association Celebrates 22 Years Of Annual New York Muscle Team Gala

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2018 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) New York Muscle Team will host its 22nd annual Gala on Monday, December 3, 2018 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Cipriani Wall Street (55 Wall Street, New York, NY). This year’s theme is “Dream Big” and includes the legendary Derek Jeter. Tickets are available now at http://bit.ly/MuscleTeamTix.

The MDA New York Muscle Team Gala® is a high-profile dinner where professional athletes and celebrities team up with real estate executives and MDA families to put their muscle behind the search to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, and related life-threatening neuromuscular diseases including ALS that limit strength and mobility. Since being established in 1996, this event in particular has raised over $20 million for scientific and clinical research, for treatments and care for MDA families and care centers and summer camps for kids affected by these diseases.

This year’s MVP Is Derek Jeter, five-time World Series champion, CEO and part owner of the Miami Marlins and founder of the Turn 2 Foundation. “The dedication of the MDA team to their mission and to the families they serve is impressive,” said Jeter. “This organization is making a real difference, and I’m looking forward to celebrating that at the Gala.” Jeter will be featured in an exclusive one-on-one fireside chat with MDA New York Muscle Team committee member and legendary sportscaster Russ Salzberg.

The 2018 Muscle Team Coach is Paul Darrah, director of real estate at Google, where he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of real estate strategy, design and development in New York.

This year’s MDA Muscle Team Gala® will recognize several honorees including:
The Hamad family of Staten Island, New York, will receive the Russ Salzberg Champion of Hope Award. The Hamad’s have lost three sons, Mahmoud, Kareem and Ahmed to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To help other families, the Hamad’s have continued their pursuit of raising awareness and money to find a cure.
Richard C. Heller, president of Titanium Scaffold Services, LLC will receive the Jerry Lewis Champion of Spirit Award.

“The Muscle Team Committee has provided an indefatigable commitment to raising funds for MDA’s mission over the past 22 years,” said Lynn O’Connor Vos, MDA president and chief executive officer. “This event galvanizes the New York City real estate community and generates funds for our 150 care centers, our signature national Summer Camp program, as well as additional family programs, and most importantly the efforts put against finding treatments and cures. We are extremely proud of all of our honorees and greatly appreciate their support in helping us raise awareness in so many ways.”

MDA Metro New York Muscle Team is led by an impressive group of dedicated real estate leaders and executives: James Halpin, Platinum Maintenance; Philip Bottega, Societe General; Ted Moudis, Ted Moudis Associates; Edward Piccinich, SL Green; Russ Salzberg, legendary New York sportscaster; Anthony Cammarata, Goldman Sachs; Michael Neary, Structure Tone Inc.