By Bill Parry
The Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park invites the public to its second annual fund-raising party beside the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park Thursday, Oct. 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Evening Under the Sphere event celebrates the park’s rich diversity tagged as “Your Park, Your World,” with casual dining and music that celebrates the food and cultures of its parkgoers and neighboring communities. Music of all genres — from pop to salsa to classics — will be provided by DJ Edward Benscome, the owner and operator of Strategy Event Productions, who hails from Queens.
Individual tickets for Evening Under the Sphere are $50 and can be purchased by the public at www.allianceforfmcp.org/gala and groups of tickets and sponsorships are also available for the gala event. Admission includes made-to-order international cuisine from a dozen popular Queens Night Market vendors, favorites donated by Coffeed and the World’s Fair Marina Restaurant, as well as a variety of beers and wine.
“Flushing Meadows Corona Park makes more than 9 million New Yorkers and visitors smile each year and Evening Under the Sphere is a great way to celebrate this iconic park,” NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver said. “From free public programming such as fitness classes taught by veterans, to mew equipment that will help clean the park more efficiently, The Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park is successfully bringing extra services and new amenities to Queens.”
The Alliance was launched in November 2015 as a public-private partnership. Its board, chaired by Silver, comprises civic, business and community leaders and all funds raised go directly to the park.
“The public has asked that FMCP join other great city parks that have dedicated nonprofits and now it has,” Alliance Executive Director and Park Administrator Janice Melnick said. “Our board members and the more than 40 local organizations represented by our Community Advisory Board represent a rich and diverse cross-section of the city, with deep roots in Queens, and we look forward to many rewarding years ahead working together.”
“The Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park represents the most diverse community in the world,” Alliance Board Member and Delta Airlines Managing Director Patricia Ornst said. “Delta is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work each day. We are proud to continue to support Evening Under the Spehere, which raises funds for free activities and important operational enhancements to this jewel in the crown of the NYC Parks system.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
