I met David in 2005, at a Commerce Group meeting.  We hit it off immediately, passing notes on our phones, making bad jokes, until Fred had to school us.  From that first meeting onwards, he adopted me as his mentee, invited me to various events, Gotham Queens, the Havana Club, etc.  He also introduced me to Steve Lichtenstein – someone I was terrified of approaching, because I was in awe of him.

David broke the ice and stayed by my side until I could say hello to Steve. 

 Over the years, he mentored me in how to be a father to a special needs child, how to navigate the NYC Board of Ed District 75 process, taught me WHY I should become a Friar, and never missed an opportunity to make me laugh.

I never had a meeting with David, in public, where he didn’t see me and yell loudly, YOU’RE THE FATTEST VEGETARIAN I KNOW.

If you’re a veteran Gotham member, be a David Stein.  Someone warm, funny, and incredibly generous.

If you’re new to Gotham, don’t be afraid to ask a veteran for help or mentoring.

I’ve loved David for 17 years, I have matured under his tutelage.  My life, my family’s life, and lives of countless individuals is better because we knew David – and he loved us.

David has been the secret to my success in Gotham, as a husband, a father & Friar.

BE A DAVID STEIN.