Elberon Development Group CEO Dave Gibbons will be the latest New Jersey commercial real estate executive to be honored at Pillar Care Continuum’s Steps to Independence Celebration. — Courtesy: Pillar Care
By Joshua Burd
Elberon Development Group’s Dave Gibbons will take center stage next week as the honoree for Pillar Care Continuum’s largest annual fundraiser, continuing the commercial real estate industry’s longtime support of the nonprofit serving those with disabilities and special needs.
Now in its 27th year, the Steps to Independence Celebration is slated for Nov. 13 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, in an event that typically draws more than 400 attendees. That includes an outsized contingent of real estate professionals, many of whom serve on its board of trustees and the committee for the annual gathering.
Gibbons, CEO and third-generation leader of Elizabeth-based Elberon, will be the latest in a long line of commercial real estate executives and service providers that Pillar Care Continuum has honored. The organization’s real estate industry events have raised more than $8 million in the past five years alone.
“We are grateful to the longtime support of the commercial real estate community and welcome the opportunity to celebrate another great honoree in Dave Gibbons,” said Corry DeMarco, Pillar Care Continuum’s vice president of development and communications. “Thanks to the generosity of those who attend each year, this event has become integral in our ability to sustain and grow our mission to serve people with disabilities and special needs.”
DeMarco noted many honorees remain involved with Pillar Care by serving on its board and in other volunteer capacities. That includes Mike Petillo of Petillo Cos., its current board chair, and Clark Machemer of Crow Holdings Development, the immediate past chair, who were the Steps to Independence Celebration honorees in 2019 and 2017, respectively.
Other recent honorees from New Jersey’s real estate sector include Ronel Borner of CenterPoint Properties, Jeff Milanaik of Bridge Industrial, Efrem Gerszberg of 2020 Acquisitions, Bob Murray of Oline Construction, Joe Marino of M&M Realty Partners and Frank Giantomasi of CSG Law. That has helped the organization provide what it says is distinctive, fruitful networking opportunities for the real estate industry, including Steps to Independence and its newer Swings to Independence Golf Outing.
“Pillar Care is an incredible organization that provides housing and care for people with developmental disabilities, and I speak for many of my commercial real estate friends and colleagues in saying it is an honor to help fulfill their mission,” said Machemer, a senior managing director with Crow Holdings Development. “Beyond dollars raised, our industry’s support can be seen in the form of new projects under development for affordable housing and disabled veterans.”
Pillar Care noted that Elberon has developed, constructed and managed properties in New Jersey for more than 100 years. Gibbons oversees all aspects of the company, including capital allocation, asset management, financial analysis, personnel and strategic planning, with a particular focus on acquisitions, construction and development.
For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact DeMarco at [email protected] or 973-821-8114.
Pillar Care raises nearly $2 million at gala honoring Bridge Industrial’s Milanaik
