St. Mary's Honors Bayside Restaurant Owner, Employee At Annual Walk

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A hospital in Bayside will honor a community restaurant owner and a veteran healthcare employee in an annual walk to raise funds for the care of critically ill and injured children.

St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children will host its annual Big Hearts Walk later this month at Crocheron Park, and it will recognize the contributions of Mark Boccia, owner of Bourbon Street in Bayside, and Christine Duffy, project manager of strategic initiatives at the hospital.

“Mark and Chris have both made immeasurable contributions to St. Mary’s over the past several years, helping our organization to continue to provide the highest level of care to our patients and their families,” said Dr. Edwin Simpser, president and CEO of St. Mary’s.

The walk will take place on Sunday, May 21st, at 10 a.m.

Besides the popular cajun restaurant, Boccia owns several other local restaurants and real estate projects. During the pandemic, he donated meals from Bourbon Street to healthcare workers at the hospital.

Christine Duffy, from Whitestone, has held her position at the hospital since 2008.

The annual event gathers hundreds of New Yorkers at the park to raise funds for the care of critically ill and injured children at the hospital.

After the walk, the park will host a series of activities including music, carnival games, arts, and more.

Onsite registration will open at 9 a.m., and adults can register for $25 and children for $5. New Yorkers can register ahead of the event online.