Guests of Phipps Houses and Phipps Neighborhoods raised more than $1.7 million at the Phipps Community Builder Awards Dinner on May 29.
This year’s annual fundraising gala honored Scott E. Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Santander US and Santander Consumer USA, and Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP for their leadership and commitment to community building in low-income neighborhoods. All proceeds from the event benefit Phipps Neighborhoods’ programs which provide education, career readiness training and connections to critical resources to communities in the South Bronx.
The 2019 Community Builder Awards were presented to Scott E. Powell and the law firm of Hirschen Singer and Epstein LLP.
Powell’s award underscores his leadership of Santander US, his bank’s commitment to greater involvement in low-income communities, and for his continued guidance as a member of Phipps Houses Board of Trustees. Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP’s recognition as a Phipps Community Builder stems from the firm’s commitment for more than 50 years as a mission-driven real estate law firm, including substantial work with Phipps Houses.
“I’m delighted to be honored and to be recognized personally and on behalf of Santander,” said Powell. “When you look at the track record of Phipps, it’s really very impressive.
“Phipps Houses affordable housing is one part of the puzzle to combat poverty, but providing Phipps Neighborhoods’ programs and services really allows people the opportunity to succeed.”
“Hirschen Singer & Epstein is proud to be a part of Phipps’ creation of affordable housing and the New York City skyline. The breadth and scope of projects that our teams have completed over the past 50 years are a testament to our successful partnership,” said Oliver Chase and Russ Kivler, Partners at Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP.
“We are thrilled to recognize our friends Scott Powell and Hirschen Singer & Epstein for their contributions to affordable housing and communities we serve,” said Phipps Houses president and CEO Adam Weinstein. “Both are leaders in their respective fields and have given back generously to help individuals and community rise out of poverty and thrive.”
“Scott Powell and Santander have continued to provide meaningful support to our College Access and youth programing,” said Dianne Morales, executive director and CEO of Phipps Neighborhoods. “Creating exposure to, and demystifying, the college access and application process is critical to creating meaningful change in the lives of our young people.”
