Although it was extremely cold, scarves and gloves weather, 28 Beta Pi alumni attended the annual NYC dinner on December 3, 2024. Usually, much milder weather has greeted the alumni faithful as they make their excursions into NYC with a purpose, to celebrate the lifelong friendships that began at Pi Kappa Alpha more than 40 years ago.
Arranged and hosted by Jeff Kaufman ’80, lifelong friends came from near and far to attend the event at the Redeye Grill on 7th Avenue in Manhattan. Starting with a cocktail hour, accompanied by nachos with salsa and guacamole, the brothers split into small groups to share their personal accomplishments and family activities that occurred since last year. After cocktails, the Redeye Grill set up four tables to accommodate the sit-down dinner. Family style service of Greek salad, calamari, and garlic bread were the appetizers. Entrée choices were salmon, chicken, and skirt steak. Besides the sides that were on the entrée plates, additional sides of French fries and Brussel sprouts were served family style. Chocolate blackout cake and New York cheesecake were the choices for dessert. Chocolate covered strawberries and cookies were served with after dinner beverages.
The entire evening was plenty entertaining. Plenty food and drink. Plenty conversation. Plenty laughs. Plenty memories. If you could not attend this year, you missed out plenty. For example: which brothers went ice fishing in Minnesota and Finland, and which brother will shortly be filming a documentary that should be of interest to all PiKA brothers. The brothers who did attend are:
Jeff Abramowitz ’80 (California)
Buddy Altus ’80
Adam Amsterdam ’79
Tom Brodie ’81
Morty Cohen ’65
John Feder ’80
Eric Brodsky (Boston)
Jeff Himeles ’79
Dave Horing ‘81
Chawner Hurd ’80
John Joseph ’80
Steve Kreichman ‘79
Jeff Lehman ’79
Stephen Lerner ‘79
Eric Morgenstern ‘81
Lawrence Orans ’80
Rob Oringer ’79 (Florida)
Paul Reszutek ‘76
Bruce Robertson ‘80
Greg Sembler ’80 (Florida)
Fred Rubin ‘80
Marc Rothman ’82 (Philadelphia)
Rob Stavis ’81
Ross Weiner ’80
Jeff Kaufman ’80
Sam Weinstein ’81 (Nashville)
Bora Sila ‘80
Adam Hodes ‘81
This was a particularly enjoyable event. Many words of thanks were sent to brother Kaufman:
Rob Stavis: “Great seeing everyone and Thanks again.”
Fred Rubin: “So great to see everyone and to smile and laugh like old times. It’s been a pleasure aging gracefully with you all. Looking forward to many more holiday gatherings!!!”
Bruce Robertson: “So much fun. Great to see so many old bald brothers.”
Paul Reszutek: “Thanks again, Jeff, for all you do to make this event happen.”
Eric Morgenstern: “Great to see everyone. Thank you, Jeff.”
Chawner Hurd: “It was awesome being with you all…Reminded me that we really do have deep bonds and are united by a great gift that we all share.”
John Feder: “Thanks Jeff and Beta Pi for another wonderful evening. 45 years together is remarkable.”
Marc Rothman: “I can’t begin to tell you how much I look forward to our collective night out every year…It is an honor to be with so many high-quality individuals, to hear of all your successes and stories.”
When arrangements are made for the Annual Dinner 2025, you all will receive notice. This dinner is open to all Beta Pi brothers. Make plans to attend. Contact the fraternity brothers of your era to attend. Take part in what has become a Beta Pi tradition.
