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David Hryck receives the prestigious Ellis Island Medal
Iopened the paper the other day and saw you received the Ellis Island Medal along with Ruth Bader Ginsberg [posthumously]; what was that like?
It was one of the biggest surprises in my life. The
award honors the importance of immigration to America’s prosperity and celebrates the contribu- tions immigrants and their families have made to our nation.
My family came to the U.S. from Italy and Eastern Europe. The entire day I was thinking about how far we have come and what a true privilege and honor it was to be there.
My parents always stressed the importance of community, being present, and giving as much as possible to help others. This is something very close to my heart.
The whole world needs more of that thinking and doing these days. Last summer you threw one of the best parties in the Hamptons for a charity you are involved with. What was that like for you?
BY JOAN JEDELL
Yes, that was an epic evening! It was for the Maria- no Rivera Foundation; they are focused on helping impoverished children build a brighter future. I am a board member of the foundation, so we decided to host it at my home in Southampton. Mariano came with his family, and Wyclef Jean performed and brought the crowd to their feet for over two hours. We danced all night, and I joined Wyclef on guitar for two songs—I will never forget that evening. What other charities are you involved with?
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Mariano Rivera, Matt Taylor (chairman and CEO of Duane Morris LLP), David Hryck
CENTER STAGE
CELEBRITY LAWYER
DAVID HRYCK
WINS PRESTIGIOUS ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL
I met up with power attorney David Hryck, partner and head of business and structuring at Duane Morris LLP, at his Southampton home for an intimate lunch just days after he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal.
Hryck jams with Wyclef
I love and respect the
causes I am involved with
16
HAMPTON SHEET MIDSUMMER 2022
Wyclef Jean gives Hryck a spin on the dance floor
with and my fellow board members. We work hard, and socially we have been able to create phenome- nal memories and make a lasting difference in our communities. At the end of the day, this is what it is all about.
What are your favorite things to do while you are in Southampton?
I feel so fortunate to have a home in Southampton. The perfect day for me is morning yoga followed by a workout, swimming, and connecting with nature.
I love being with great friends and family.
What is your favorite place to hang out?
To be honest, I like to spend time at home and have friends visit or go to their homes. When I do head out, I love to have lunch or dinner at Sant Ambroeus, which is my favorite restaurant out here.
So, everyone is asking—another party this summer?
Not sure yet, but you will be the first to know. n
I am cochair with concert pianist Lang Lang for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. We focus on providing music education to all children throughout the world. I am also on the boards of the Amy Winehouse Foundation; the Duke of Edin- burgh’s Award for Excellence Fund, established by HRH Prince Philip; the Center for International Re- lations and Sustainable Development [Vuk Jeremic, president of the United Nations General Assembly for the 67th Session, is also president of this organi- zation]; Yue-Sai Kan’s China Beauty Charity Fund; Pencils of Promise, founded by Adam Braun; and Marc Anthony’s Maestro Cares Foundation.
That sounds like a tremendous amount of responsibility for one person. How do you keep it all moving forward as a partner in a law firm with this level of philanthropy?
I know it sounds like a lot, but it feels seamless and effortless. I love and respect the causes I am involved
members. We work hard, and socially we have been able to create phenomenal memories and make a lasting difference”in our communities.
and my fellow board
Photos by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com