NEW YORK–Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that trailblazing architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr. will receive a special Legend for Life honor at the organization’s gala event to be held here on Jan. 29.
This award, which is being presented upon the 20th anniversary of Gift for Life, recognizes Portman’s more than five decades of entrepreneurship and service to the industry.
Among numerous large-scale architecture and development projects, Portman founded Atlanta Merchandise Mart—now AmericasMart—in 1957. AmericasMart attracts more than 548,000 attendees who participate in its 15 annual markets each year. Three major downtown hotels Portman designed and developed—the Hyatt Regency, Westin Peachtree Plaza, and Marriott Marquis—anchor Atlanta’s convention district.
Following up on his initial success, Portman began an unmatched record of commercial and hospitality development and design in downtown Atlanta and then across the United States in cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York City. In 1982, Portman expanded his vision of design into Asia—first in Singapore, then in Malaysia and China.
“Mr. Portman’s innovative designs and trailblazing vision are forever imprinted on cities around the world, but most importantly his impact on our business is unmatched,” said Peter Schauben, founder of Gift for Life. “For more than five decades his marketplace has served as a crossroads for buyers and sellers intent on creating better business. Hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Gift for Life’s 20th Annual Party for Life, benefiting DIFFA, will be held at The Boathouse at Central Park. Individual tickets are $125, and sponsorships ranging from $500 through $25,000 are available. For details, contact Steven Williams at swilliams@diffa.org [2], (212) 727-3100.