Donate Eight Celebrates $10 Million Milestone at New York Gala Supporting Organ Donation

On June 11, nearly 1,000 attendees from New York's real estate industry gathered for the highly anticipated Spring Gala of Donate Eight at Gotham Hall, a landmark venue in Manhattan known for its stunning 1920s architecture. This year's event was particularly special as it marked a significant milestone: Donate Eight has successfully raised over $10 million since its inception in 2013, contributing greatly to the mission of the LiveOnNY Foundation, which aims to promote awareness about organ donation and assist affected families.

At the heart of the gala were stories of hope and transformation. Heart transplant recipient Karen Hill Crowell spoke passionately about her life after receiving her donor's heart, emphasizing the profound impact organ donation can have. Accompanied by her three-year-old daughter, she paid tribute to her donor family, Kelli Cutinella, whose son Thomas became an organ donor after a tragic accident during a football game. "I'm so thankful to the Cutinella family for honoring Thomas's wishes of being an organ donor. They are the only reason I am here," Crowell said, conveying deep appreciation for the lives saved through donation.

The event also featured remarks from Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, who praised Donate Eight for their unwavering support and financial contributions that have led to a nearly 70% increase in organ donors in the region over the past three years. According to Achan, over 116,000 people are currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants in the United States, with 8,200 of those waiting in New York. "Donate Eight's mission and the contributions from the real estate community play a pivotal role in our efforts to save lives," he declared.

Through their work, Donate Eight has significantly raised awareness and challenged the stigma surrounding organ donation, inspiring individuals to register as organ donors. The gala served as a poignant reminder of the impact these efforts have on countless lives. Participating in this collective endeavor was not just about raising funds; it was about sharing stories, creating a lasting legacy, and fostering a community of advocates dedicated to saving lives.

The Cutinella and Crowell families' shared journey highlights the close-knit relationships formed through organ donation. They have attended events together, including the Tunnel to Towers race in honor of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller. This reflects the deep connections that can emerge from grief and gratitude, transcending the loss to create a spirit of hope.

As the evening unfolded, the organizers and participants reaffirmed their commitment to the cause, realizing that every donation can potentially save up to eight lives. The slogan "Donate Eight" serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that individual actions can have when it comes to organ donation, encouraging more people to sign up on the state’s donor registry.

In summary, the Donate Eight gala not only celebrated a remarkable fundraising achievement but also strengthened the mission of LiveOnNY. The event fostered hope, showcasing the transformative power of organ donation and emphasizing the importance of community support, collective effort, and personal commitment to a cause that is vital for many families across the nation.

As Donate Eight looks ahead, their efforts will undoubtedly continue to educate the public about organ donation and inspire action, ensuring that more lives can be saved through the simple act of signing up to be an organ donor.

About LiveOnNY Foundation

LiveOnNY Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports the federally designated organ procurement organization in New York. Its goal is to increase awareness and education around organ donation, ensuring donor families receive proper support throughout the donation process.

About Donate Eight

Founded by industry leaders in the New York Real Estate and Building Management community, Donate Eight aims to elevate awareness around the critical need for organ donors. Their fundraising efforts are crucial for increasing education and facilitating the organ donation process, making a significant impact on the lives of those in need.