Jared Seligman, Corcoran Group’s real-estate broker to New York’s young and successful set, is currently applying his muscle to another project: next week’s benefit auction for non-profit organization The Nest Foundation.  Chaired by Susan Sarandon, the event will benefit Nest, an organization established to increase public awareness of the fast-growing industries of forced prostitution and human sex trafficking of children in the United States.

When Seligman’s good friend, Jen Brill, became active with the benefit during its initial stages, Seligman got on board and started spreading the word. “It’s easy to think about this going on in Thailand. But a school is being built in Texas, and will offer these kids therapy and education to become a member of society, and not a victim of this terrible problem that no one knows about.”

Until now. The high-profile event, which will include an auction of artworks from a roster that reads like a who’s-who in contemporary art, is co-chaired by Jen Brill, Leelee Sobieski, Arden Wohl and Vanina Holasek. But despite the lofty guest list, Seligman assures that the March 28^th event is “not about getting socialites together to schmooze.” Works for sale include those from artists such as Jeff Koons, Julian Schnabel, Matthew Barney, Dan Colen, Terry Richardson, Mario Sorrenti, Dash Snow, Ed Templeton and Craig McDean. And all proceeds from the auction and benefit will support the aforementioned long-term residential facility/boarding school in Austin, Texas for children, 18-and-under, who have been commercially sexually exploited.

In just two years, Seligman has developed a career that far exceeds that of the average person his age. “If I were buying a $10 million apartment I wouldn’t call a 20-year-old,” acknowledges Seligman. Yet, his clients - mostly in the fashion and entertainment industries - don’t seem to mind: “A lot of my clients are close to my age.” Growing up in New York City and Westchester, Seligman always knew he wanted to work in real estate and follow in the steps of his uncle and grandfather. But, when he first sent his resume to Corcoran Group, there was no response. Refusing to have a family member make a call to set up a meeting, he called again with no luck. So, Seligman eventually took a job at Citi Habitats, where he quickly became rookie of the year. The next time he called Corcoran, he was hired. 

Thanks to his unique professional position, Seligman has taken the opportunity to enlist many of the young, motivated people in his circle to raise awareness for the cause – like good friend, model Jessica Stam, who’s on the Nest Foundation Committee. Not to mention, many of Seligman’s friends have also become his clients: Stam just closed on a house in East Hampton last week (brokered by Seligman). He also sold her an apartment in New York City a few years ago.“I always stressed to her the importance of being a home owner,” says Seligman. Along with brokering, Seligman has taken on the role of therapist, financial advisor and fashion consultant for many of his clients: “Recently I had to dress a client twice for a board meeting. It’s important to be brutally honest.”

Having achieved so much so young, Seligman sees it as his duty to help young people. “When I was a teenager I knew exactly what I wanted. And now I see it as my job to give back as much as possible.”

~Sara Costello