The Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) 27th annual ‘Evening of Fine Food’ will return to a fully in-person celebration at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
The event, which has been held for more than two and a half decades, will raise funds to support the longtime organization’s programs and services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives.
“For more than 70 years, QCP has been helping adults and children to live their best lives,” said QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “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 about their lives.”
Last year, QCP’s ‘Evening of Fine Food’ event was held both in-person and via Zoom (with home delivery of meals) amid the pandemic. In February, hundreds of people will come together to enjoy food and honor three “Chefs of the Year.” QCP also will present the Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award to Detective Tanya Duhaney, Community Affairs Bureau, of NYPD Patrol Borough Queens South.
The festivities will include an exceptional and engaging dining experience featuring culinary delicacies from the finest restaurants and beverage purveyors in the area.
As guests mingle, they can sample gourmet foods, and enjoy the variety of beverages offered. They also can enjoy the smooth sounds of Jim Altamore, play Blackjack and Roulette at the Casino, plus guests can participate in the silent auction and take “selfies” in a Le Selfie photo booth.
“We are so excited to come together in-person for an exciting ‘Evening of Fine Food’!” said QCP Director of Development Wendy Gennaro. “We are looking to outdo ourselves again this year and break another fundraising record! We are extremely grateful to our extraordinary Board of Directors, our many generous restaurants, our sponsors, and everyone who is ready to get out and have a good time for a great cause!”
The honorees for “Chefs of the Year” who have made an impact and a difference in the community include Frank Wu, president of Queens College, and Brett Swanson, senior manager of Community Affairs & Social Impact at GrubHub. QCP will recognize the leadership team at Stop. In addition to being honored, the “Chefs” will serve in their community in a different way — by cooking a family speciality.
“I am as excited to be a chef for the QCP Evening of Fine Food as I am to live in the world’s borough where every culture is represented by its cuisine,” Wu said.
Swanson said he is grateful to be chosen as Chef of the Year and to support the mission of QCP.
“Your work has changed the lives of so many, and I am incredibly proud to be aligned with such an amazing group! Cheers to many more years to come. Bon appetit!” Swanson said.
Stefani Shuman, external communications manager for Stop & Shop, said the supermarket grocery chain is thrilled to be recognized by QCP and proud to employ hundreds of their clients.
“Since we serve the larger Queens community every day at our ten area stores, serving the QCP community the Evening of Fine Foods is right up our alley,” Shuman said.
Tickets for QCP’s 2023 “Evening of Fine Food” are $135 per person. The event will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets and further details are available at https://queenscp.givecloud.co/qcpfinefood. Take 25% off your ticket order when you purchase your tickets now through Dec. 31. Use code: holiday25.
In January, QCP will announce the roster of participating restaurants – including a number of returning establishments — as well as other features of the annual event.
For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Wendy Gennaro via phone at: (718) 380-3000, ext. 325, or email: WPhaffGennaro@queenscp.org.
