Astoria Civic holds dinner dance

The Astoria Civic Association held its 74th annual dinner dance to benefit the Judge Charles J. Vallone Scholarship, a fund that rewards Queens high school graduates who embody ideals of academic excellence and community service. Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr., whose grandfather is the namesake of the scholarship and whose father, former Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., who also was in attendance, helped organize the event and made it a success. More than 450 people attended the event, which has raised over $410,950 to date for the scholarship.
The Astoria Civic honored HANAC Chairwoman Evangeline Douris and Major Automotive Co., Inc., CEO Bruce Bendell as its people of the year, both of whom received proclamations from the City Council and State Assembly. Many former recipients of the Charles Vallone Scholarship attended and were introduced to the crowd as Scholarship Committee member Mary O’Hara listed their accomplishments.