Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and St. John’s University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Pitino was honored at the Queens Community House (QCH) Annual Fall Gala held on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Held at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, the event brought together business leaders, public servants, and community supporters to celebrate QCH’s impact and raise funds for its social service programs.
Pitino, recognized for his legendary coaching career and leadership, was one of two honorees at the prestigious event. Anthony Vero, General Manager of LaGuardia Airport, was also celebrated for his contributions to the Queens community.
“QCH serves people from all walks of life across Queens, and both honorees this year truly reflect our commitment to making a lasting positive impact on the people of this borough,” said Ben Thomases, Executive Director of QCH.
The event raised over $600,000 to support the work of QCH, one of the borough’s largest social service organizations, which provides services to more than 25,000 individuals annually. Gala attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, entertainment, video presentations showcasing QCH’s work, and a special dinner.
“This was our most successful Gala, in both attendance and money raised to support Queens neighbors,” Thomases added.
Past honorees of the event include notable figures such as former U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, former New York Mets All-Star Edgardo Alfonzo, and the Queens Museum.
Major sponsors of the 2024 Gala included JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Barclays, Bloomberg, and Citi, among others.
Queens Community House operates across 40 sites in 15 neighborhoods, offering a wide range of programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors. With a mission to enrich lives and build inclusive communities, QCH has become a vital support system for Queens residents, providing them with the tools to thrive and contribute to the local community.
