May 16, 2012 - West Babylon, NY - As recipients of the first 2012 REALTOR® Spirit Award, Seth and Louise Pitlake, of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Merrick, were awarded $500 to be donated to their charity of choice. Seeing that they were honored for this award in recognition of their work with the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and Katz Women’s Hospitals, it was only fitting for the Pitlakes to present the check to LIJ Health System Foundation, which houses the Katz Women's Hospitals and programs.

Since the inception of the Every Woman Matters Walk in 2010, nearly $1 million has been raised to support the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and Katz Women’s Hospitals. As Team Captain for her office, Louise Pitlake, along with her son and co captain Seth Pitlake, have personally raised thousands of those dollars for this great cause. Spearheading this initiative as title sponsors Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate and its founder Dottie Herman have worked with the Pitlakes and other Elliman agents to make this a priority fundraiser and has become a personal commitment to the Pitlakes since the organization started. Making a difference in the communities they service and giving back is something near and dear to the hearts of the Pitlakes. The Katz Institute has the potential to touch the lives of thousands of people in the neighborhoods we work in on a daily basis. As a total commitment to this reality the Pitlakes have been part of the top fund raising groups for this important project since it started over 3 years ago.

On May 20, 2012, thousands of people will walk the boardwalk at Jones Beach for the 3rd annual Every Woman Matters Walk. Highlights of the day will include an early-morning Zumba class, live music, health education and information, lots of giveaways and so much more.  For more information about the Katz Institute for Women's Health and Katz Women's Hospital or for information on how you can support the May 20th Walk, visit Every Woman Matters Walk.
 
Committed to the advancement of women's health, North Shore-LIJ Health System has built Katz Women's Hospitals at both LIJ Medical Center in New Hyde Park and North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, offering an unparalleled experience to women of every age and background. At the same time, North Shore-LIJ has developed The Katz Institute for Women's Health to coordinate the women's healthcare offerings of the Katz Women's Hospitals and the entire health system.
 
The REALTOR® Spirit Award is a program created by LIBOR’s Public Relations Committee, which recognizes REALTORS ®, either individually, as an office or team, who have made a difference and have had a positive impact in their local community through their volunteer work, charitable efforts, youth related or other activities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service.  This year six REALTORS® will be selected bimonthly to receive a $500 donation to the charity/organization of their choice. To nominate yourself or a fellow REALTOR® for the next REALTOR® Spirit Award, visit LIRealtor.com.   This is a perfect way to get exposure, promotion and funds to an upcoming fundraising event for a charity that is near and dear to your heart.