The enCourage Kids Foundation (EKF) marked its milestone 40th Anniversary Gala with an unforgettable evening at the iconic Ziegfeld Theater on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The night brought together some of the top real estate leaders, philanthropists, and sports legends to celebrate the foundation’s mission of humanizing healthcare for pediatric patients and their families. Honorees Brian R. Steinwurtzel (Co-CEO & Principal, GFP Real Estate) and Niraj R. Shah (Partner, Rockwood Capital) were recognized for their contributions to both business and community.
A Star-Studded Evening with Meaningful Moments
WABC 7 Sports Anchor Ryan Field served as the evening’s emcee, alongside Dinner Chairs Jeffrey Gural (GFP Real Estate), Tony Fineman (ACORE Capital), and Adam Spies (Newmark). The event also saw the presence of former NBA star Charles Oakley, Super Bowl champion Marvin Washington, NFL legend Tony Richardson, and sports commentator Erik Coleman, among others.
EKF President & CEO Jean Butler took the stage to highlight the foundation’s impact, upcoming initiatives, and ongoing partnerships. A touching moment of the night was the presentation of The Michele Hall Duncan Humanizing Healthcare Award, honoring the late Michele Hall Duncan for her decades of dedication to improving the hospital experience for pediatric patients.
A Standout Moment: A Daughter’s Love and Admiration
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night came when Brian Steinwurtzel’s daughters took the stage in honor of their father. With their mother unable to attend, they read a letter on her behalf, offering a moving tribute to their father’s work ethic, kindness, and leadership. Their words were not just a reflection of his success in real estate but a testament to the values that define true success—service, integrity, and family.
This moment underscored a broader theme: behind every successful leader is a heart dedicated to serving others. Just as a strong family foundation provides support in difficult times, the enCourage Kids Foundation serves as a pillar of strength for families facing medical uncertainty.
Making Hospital Visits a Little Less Scary
For 40 years, the enCourage Kids Foundation has been at the forefront of providing comfort to pediatric patients and their families, supporting over 300 hospitals nationwide. The funds raised from this year’s gala will continue to fund therapeutic programs, child-friendly hospital enhancements, and essential emotional support services. From something as simple as a comforting teddy bear to comprehensive hospital initiatives, the foundation’s mission remains clear: make hospital visits a little less frightening for young patients and their families.
An Evening of Impact, Excellence, and Connections
The event was not only a celebration but also a high-caliber networking opportunity. For industry professionals like myself, being in the room with leaders who prioritize both business excellence and humanitarian efforts was inspiring. As a licensed realtor, I took a moment to personally congratulate Steinwurtzel’s daughters for their eloquence and to acknowledge their father’s profound impact. While it wasn’t the time for business discussions, it was a chance to witness the integrity of a man I would be honored to work with in the future.
A special thank you to Jean Butler and the entire enCourage Kids Foundation team for curating such an incredible night. This gala was more than just an event—it was a reminder that compassion and service can ripple through industries, making the world a better place one act at a time.
For more on how you can support the enCourage Kids Foundation, visit www.encourage-kids.org.
