NAIOP Massachusetts was honored  for two decades of working to end homelessness at Shelter's annual  meeting, held at the Harvard Club. The nonprofit  organization recognized NAIOP for its nearly 20-year commitment to Shelter, during which time it has raised more than $1.1 million through its annual NAIOP/Shelter Golf Tournament.
Other honorees at the  meeting included Mayor Thomas Menino, who received the William E. "Bo"  Holland Public Service Award, Maria Martin who received the Employee of  the Year Award, and Home Start, which received the Community Partner  Award.    
Executive director Tom Lorello said it had been difficult to find  the words to recognize NAIOP's ongoing contributions of time, talent, and  financial support. "Have you ever been blessed with friends that you  have run out of accolades for?" Lorello asked as he presented Shelter's  Appreciation of Partnership Award to David Begelfer, NAIOP's chief  executive officer. "When I thought about recognizing NAIOP, I  couldn't help but make a comparison in my mind to when Michael Jordan  was playing in the NBA. To me, when MJ was playing he was the MVP every  year and everybody knew it, but they couldn't give it to him every year.  That's close to how we think about David and NAIOP. They're our MVP every  year but we look for special opportunities to say it out loud."   
A long-time NAIOP leader, Begelfer has worked closely with  Shelter  from the beginning of their partnership. "We are proud of  the excellent relationship we have built with Shelter and of the generous  support our members have given to their work to end homelessness for good  in our communities. They are an outstanding, effective organization, and  we look forward to another successful 20 years together."   
NAIOP's annual golf tournament is held in early June each year,  with more than 500 players on four courses in Stow, MA. Thanks to generous  contributions from event sponsors and the hundreds of commercial real  estate professionals who play each year, NAIOP has consistently been the  largest single contributor to Shelter, providing critical funding to this  worthy organization. At a time when affordable housing is in crisis in the  Commonwealth, Shelter provides area families in need in with the support  necessary to improve their lives and live independently. To learn more  about Shelter and the vital services they provide, go to www.shelterinc.org.