Over $200,000 raised last night by some incredibly generous donors and volunteers at the Homes, Hearts, and Habitat Gala!

What a pleasure and honor it was to collaborate with the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Bergen County, Teri Capparelli, and my Dad, Vic Pedalino.

Teri has earned her legendary reputation as a culture leader and difference maker in the world of philanthropy and my father has been an enthusiastic volunteer at Habitat for many years. He always talks about how much he loves working alongside his friends each week. (His crew is affectionately known as "The Greyheads").

In my first book, Celebrate Life, I mentioned this quote in the dedication. "My father didn't tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it."

I'm proud that after all of these years, he still leads by example every single day. I love you, Dad.

Special thanks and kudos to this year's honorees, Veris Residential, Janine Getler, and Tricia McInerney Jansen for their extraordinary support and kindness.

Onwards and upwards...

Cheers, -m