“It's better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around.” The Gotham mantra kept going through my mind as I watched us bestow the Red Bandana and the Networkers of the Year Awards, and make the grants to four charities from the Gotham Foundation on Tuesday evening at the Holiday Party.

I remember when, years and years ago, we came up with the mantra that embodies this organization. These few words captured the essence of Gotham's culture -- the first words that we would offer to a new-comer (later to be dubbed “fresh fish”) seeking to learn what we're about. A word of advice as to how a member should approach our community.

But on Tuesday evening, on the second floor of the Friar's Club, I realized that we, Gotham, the family, is also bound by the mantra. Gotham was giving -- to well-deserved charities in our community and individuals who have made a difference -- our highest form of recognition.

And as the sell-out crowd returned to the drinks, food, talk and mingling after the awards were announced, I sensed the universal karma that it is, in fact, better to give than receive....