AS PUBLISHED IN THE MANN REPORT, Monday, January 5, 2026
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
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St. Jude Spirit of Hope Event Raises the Bar for Giving
The seventh annual St. Jude Spirit of Hope networking charity event brought together leaders in the construction and real estate industries for an evening of purpose in New York City. The event highlighted what these industries can achieve in support of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Approximately 300 guests gathered at Chelsea's City Winery, overlooking the Hudson River, for an evening of gourmet food, craft spirits, live music and both a silent and live auction. The event raised $375,000 in support of the children and families of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital surpassing pre- event estimates by about 7%. These funds directly support St. Jude's promise: that no family ever pays for treatment, housing, food or travel while their child receives care.
"St. Jude's mission has always inspired me-saving children's lives and supporting families facing unimaginable challenges. What really resonates with me is that every dollar raised goes directly to research and helping families, not administrative costs" said Athena Pappas, director of philanthropy at Forte Construction Corp., who served for the first time as chairperson of the Spirit of Hope Gala.
Pappas' relationship with St. Jude began many years ago as a volunteer and donor. Pappas, together with her committee Neil Hirani of Hirani Group, Jason Katz of Columbia Capital, Sandra Y. Betterson of New York Life Insurance, Nicholas Depinto and Richard Miensky of Highline Residential, Joshua Goldman of Avison Young, Brianna McClain of Grey Duck Wealth Management and Kishan Ramsammy of Hotaling Insurance worked alongside dedicated volunteers, whose generosity and efforts were key to making the event a success.
Founded in 1962, the Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital treats approximately 8,000 children from all 50 states each year. Their research and treatment efforts have significantly increased the childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962, to more than 80% today.
One of the evening's highlights was welcoming Allia, a former patient of St. Jude. Her mother shared the challenging journey Allia faced after being diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer at just four years old.
Today, at 25, Allia is healthy and thriving.
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