The Help Group’s Golf Classic Presented by Eastdil Secured
Honors Craig Solomon

The Help Group’s Teddy Bear Golf Classic honoring Craig Solomon, was held on October 17, 2022 at El Caballero Country Club. The event, presented by Eastdil Secured was truly an over-the-top, record-breaking success. After a great day on the greens, The Help Group presented the Help Fore Children Humanitarian Award to Craig in recognition of his remarkable humanitarian spirit and commitment to the children.

Craig served as CEO of real estate firm Square Mile, and is the newly appointed CIO and Vice Chairman of Affinius Capital. This year’s Chairs included Jay Borzi, Managing Director, Eastdil Secured and 2017 Golf Honoree; John Brady, Managing Director & Portfolio Manager, Oaktree Capital and 2013 Golf Honoree; Victor Coleman, CEO & Chairman, Hudson Pacific Properties and 2002 Golf Honoree; Warren de Haan, Managing Parnter & CEO, ACORE Capital and 2016 Golf Honoree; Jonathan Firestone, Managing Director, Eastdil Secured;  Laurie Golub, COO Square Mile Capital, now Affinius Capital; Michael Hackman, CEO, Hackman Capital Partners and 2019 Golf Honoree; Roy March, CEO Eastdil Secured; Kevin Marchetti, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Bay Grove; Michael May, President, Silverstein Capital Partners and 2015 Golf Honoree, Jonathan Pollack, Sr. Managing Director, Blackstone and 2014 Golf Honoree, Michael Rosenfeld, Founder & CEO of Woodridge Capital Partners and 2011 Golf Honoree; Jesse Sharf, Partner, Century City office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Co-Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department and 2009 Golf Honoree; Steve Silk, Sr. Managing Director, Eastdil Secured; Samir Tejpaul, Managing Director, Square Mile Capital, now Affinius Capital; D. Michael Von Konynenburg, President, Eastdil Secured and 2006 Golf Honoree and Scott Weiner, Partner, Real Estate Assets, Apollo.

During opening remarks at the reception, Gary H. Carmona, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Barbara Firestone, Help Group President & CEO, highlighted the return of the golf classic after a three-year hiatus.

“We are so delighted we could return to the greens today, and continue this annual tradition in support of our young people,” expressed Dr. Firestone. Golf Classic Chair, Eastdil’s Jonathan Firestone joined the stage to extend his appreciation to Title Sponsor, Eastdil Secured, honoree, Craig Solomon and everyone who contributed to making the event a hole-in-one success for the kids.

Dr. Firestone expressed thanks to Jonathan for his efforts on behalf of the Golf Classic for the past 10 years. “Your commitment and determination paired with the extraordinary support of Eastdil Secured, the generosity of our incredible honorees, and the support of colleagues and friends, have created unparalleled successes.”

Highlighting the energizing momentum of Craig and his team, Dr. Firestone remarked, “It’s through the extraordinary efforts of honorees like Craig…who make this tradition possible year after year,” and welcomed The Help Group Choir for a special musical performance of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Time of Your Life” in tribute to him.

Michael Hackman, Golf Classic Co-Chair and auctioneer extraordinaire, led the always lively auction of classrooms and teddy bears – for the Dr. Adam Opportunity Fund. Student speaker, Alyse, a brave and resilient young woman who benefited from the Opportunity Fund, shared personal remarks followed by her great grandmother, Ida Edmonds.

Jonathan Firestone and Michael Hackman introduced and congratulated their friend and colleague, Craig Solomon. Jonathan shared, “When we called Craig to ask him to accept this honor – he did not hesitate for a moment. He said he was happy to help, and would be proud to carry the banner for the kids.”

Michael spoke fondly of Craig’s passion, integrity and his incredible charitable involvement. “You and you’re entire team worked so hard on this. What you’ve done, the money you’ve raised and the commitment that you undertook…we all really appreciate it and we’re very honored to honor you. Congratulations Craig for all that you’ve done for The Help Group.”

Presenting Craig with the Help Fore Children Humanitarian Award, Gary remarked, “In appreciation and celebration of your humanitarian spirit ~ we thank you for your caring. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you Craig.”

Dr. Firestone welcomed Craig to The Help Group Family of honorees and recognized his friendship and incredibly generous support. She announced the naming of the The Solomon Family Bridgeport Vocational Center for young adults with autism and other special needs at The Help Group’s Culver City campus. “We salute Craig for being a friend to our children and to our organization. On behalf of The Help Group and the families we serve, I want to thank you,” said Dr. Firestone.

In his acceptance remarks, Craig thanked The Help Group for the honor, as well as his family, friends, and colleagues for all of their support. Craig shared, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m so excited we made this such a success for The Help Group.”

Our many thanks and appreciation to Craig Solomon, Presenting Sponsor Eastdil Secured, our golf chairs, sponsors and donors who helped make our annual Golf Classic an unforgettable day.