Wednesday night, the commercial real estate industry flexed its philanthropic muscles at the ninth annual Higher Achievement Going Places Gala. Vornado/Charles E. Smith president Mitchell Schear—who was already having an eventful week—has served as gala chair for years before relinquishing the reins this time around, was honored, and the gala raised $1.4M, a record. He's on the right, with fellow commercial real estate legends Kingdon Gould III and Robert Kogod.

Mitchell is the board chair of Higher Achievement and was honored for his years of dedication to the organization that provides after-school and summer programs for middle schoolers from underserved communities. He's above with son Sam, Higher Achievement alumna Sydney, daughter Mollie and this year's gala chair, DLA Piper's Jay Epstien. “Our commitment as a business community has been inspired, in large measure, by the commitment of our good friend, Mitchell Schear, and his passion for this truly terrific organization," Jay said.

Mitchell's tireless work for the organization, which graduates 96% of its participants from high school and 76% from college (DC averages: 64% and 9%, respectively) is only matched by his love of goofy sunglasses. This year, 700 people, many from the CRE community, gathered at the Warner Theatre—which Vornado, soon to be JBG Smith Properties, owns—for the gala and reception afterward.