NEW YORK CITY-AREW's 2013 Member's Luncheon convened at the Robert on top of the Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle here. The purpose of today's meeting was to recap the year so far for AREW and present the annual Founder's Awards; both were done with much finesse by Lina Telese, AREW's current president. She discussed the gala and past presidents, pausing to also thank her mother who was in attendance.

Before moving on to the Founder's Awards, the group took a moment to reflect and remember Ruth Agnese, a past president who passed away in mid-April. Judith Alberty gave a simple yet touching tribute to this woman who was her dear friend and force in the organization. She was “The Babe Ruth of AREW Presidents,” Alberty described, and more than aptly gave those present who did not know Agnese insight into her character.

This year's Founder's Awards were introduced by Telese. The first award was introduced by Faith Hope Consolo of Prudential Douglas Elliman and handed to Deborah Cole, client relations director of New York and senior associate for HLW. The second award was presented to Robin Fisher of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank by Jane Lyons from Rhodes Associates.