Gotham held its first post pandemic, in person, holiday party at Arno Restaurant in New York City on Wednesday night.

We turned out in good numbers (over 70) and festive moods.  The room was nice and the food (not so good) and drink (open bar) was ample and conducive.  

Thank you to lead Sponsor William Skody, plus year long sponsons Sharon and Raj Goel and Tom Gallin.  Additionally, Norm Spizz, Rosalia Ruberto and Reliable Ray Walcott for making it happen.  

At just the right moment, our Gotham Entertainment Chair took the mic and called the Awards proceedings to order.  

The first Award was for the (Ray Walcott) Rookie of the Year, which last year's recipient Robert Intelisano bestowed upon Dominick Ciccarelli, the obvious winner.  In the crowd was the first winner Paula Oleska.  

Next the 2023 Networkers of the Year (who reside in the Gotham Hall of Fame in perpetuity) were announced and they are Odey Raviv and Crysti Farra. 

Gotham's highest honor is our Red Bandana Award, given in memory of "the Man in the Red Bandana", Welles Remy Crowther, who died a hero on 9/11 after saving 18 souls.  The recipient must exhibit similar, but impossible to match, self sacrifice to qualify.  

Last year's recipient Vincent Chirico bestowed the Award upon Corey Bearak who does so much for Gotham and the World, ie, in recognition of his amazing Clout!!!

Finally, Hans Hanson, who was a donation Matcher and the engine for our Season of Giving drive, announced the five $6000 Gotham Foundation Grants (picked out of the hat by Gotham accountant Michael Garibaldi and verified by Lisa Waterman) pictured. 

The $30,000 tax deductible donations were, by far, a Gotham record!  Topping last year's $23K and a heartening measure of the vibrancy of post pandemic Gotham and the personification of our Gotham Mantra:  It's better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around!

It's one of the best things we do!

I write this Blog with a happy heart and feelings of great Gotham fellowship and community with you and look forward to many more, even better, years together.  Thank you all for what you do!!!