The REFA Gala is the largest gathering of the Real Estate Finance Association and brings together over 500 members of the real estate finance community to network with colleagues, reflect on the year, as well as on honor their peer with the Robert S. Swain Jr. Distinguished Service Award.
The Robert S. Swain Jr. Distinguished Service Award is named in honor of the late Robert S. Swain, Jr. In his 33 year career in his profession, Mr. Swain gained the admiration and respect of his colleagues throughout the real estate finance industry. He was a valued member of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board for over 25 years and was an active member and leader of the Mortgage Finance Committee, which developed into the present Real Estate Finance Association. This award is an annual recognition of an outstanding contribution made to the real estate industry either by lifetime example or specific achievement.
The award itself is the Boston Harbor Bowl, a piece requisitioned by Shreve, Crump & Low, the famous Boston jewelers. It is fashioned in the style of a Chinese export punch bowl, is the product of Japanese potters and is decorated by German & American craftsmen. Around the bowl is a picture of Boston, circa 1800, taken from a lithograph by Deroy.