More than 130 guests attended the 2008 Chairman's Award benefit luncheon at Le Cirque on September 17 to honor Robert A. Levine, founder, CEO, and president of RAL Companies & Affiliates.

The Chairman's Award is presented each year to a business leader or company whose work sustains the unique architectural character of the City.

Most recently, Levine has breathed new life into a one-million-square-ft. former Brooklyn industrial building and two older Tribeca buildings -- one a landmark -- by converting them to luxury housing with associated retail and amenities.

Honoree

• Robert A. Levine, CEO, RAL Companies & Affiliates Group

Past Honorees:

• Victor F. Ganzi, President & Chief Executive Officer, 2007
• Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Board, 2007
• Gilbert C. Maurer, Trustee & Director, 2007
• Donald Oresman, 2006
• Michael P. Frankfurt and Dr. Norbert Sander, Jr., 2005
• Paul Crotty, 2004
• Charles Gargano, 2003
• Aby J. Rosen, 2002
• Simon J. Critchell, Chairman and Alain Viot, President and CEO, Cartier, 2001
• Carl Weisbrod President, Alliance for Downtown New York, 2000
• The Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundation and the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, 1999
• Arthur L. Carter Founder and Publisher, The New York Observer, 1998
• Frank J. Sciame, Jr. President and Founder, F.J. Sciame Construction Co., Inc., 1997
• Joe Chirico Owner, Gage & Tollner, 1996
• James D’Agostino President and Chief Operations Officer, Lehrer McGovern Bovis, 1995
• Richard D. Parsons Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Dime Savings Bank of New York, 1992