Queens Centers for Progress, the Jamaica-based provider of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities, will hold its annual gala both in-person and virtually next month at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Hundreds of supporters from across the borough will come together on Tuesday, March 15, for the 26th annual “Evening of Fine Food” fundraiser for the organization’s programs and services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals to promote independence, community involvement and quality of life.
“For more than 70 years, QCP has been helping adults and children live their best lives,” QCP Executive Director Terri Ross said. “Core to our mission is the belief that all people can learn and that everyone, in spite of any developmental disability, can make meaningful choices in their lives.”
The event was held last year via Zoom, and with home delivery of meals, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year it will be presented both in-person, and virtual for those wishing to enjoy the evening’s interactive features from home. The festivities will include culinary delicacies from the finest restaurants and beverage purveyors in the area.
As guests mingle, sample gourmet foods and enjoy an open bar, they also can enjoy comedians Suzanne Windland and Usama Siddiquee, magician Apollo Riego, the voice of Jim Altamore performing as Frank Sinatra, and the sounds of DJ Mike Kouros of Bravo Sound. Guests can participate in the silent auction and take selfies in a Le Selfie photo booth.
“We are excited to come together in person again for an exciting ‘Evening of Fine Food,’” QCP Director of Development Wendy P. Gennaro said. “We are extremely grateful to our extraordinary board of directors, our many generous restaurants and sponsors, and everyone who plans to join us for what will be a very exciting evening.”
The benefit will honor two “Chefs of the Year”— people who have made an impact and a difference in the community: Rhonda Binda, vice president, government affairs and social impact, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation, and Thomas Rudzewick, president and CEO, Maspeth Federal Savings. In addition to being honored, they will serve their community in a different way — by cooking a family specialty.
In addition to returning Queens restaurants Marbella Restaurant, Austin’s Ale House and Bourbon Street, the event features tasty delights from Aigner’s Chocolate, Café Renis, Havana Central, Javamelts, La Casa de Julia, MadeFresh Organic, Max Bratwurst und Bier, MumsKitchen NYC, One Station Plaza, Schmidt’s Candy and The Wine Room for Forest Hills. Additional restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for QCP’s 2022 “Evening of Fine Food” are $135 per person. The event is presented from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Guests are asked to RSVP by March 13. Tickets and further details are available at queenscp.org.
