Nonprofit Dedicates Queens Office To Late State Sen. Peralta

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC is dedicating its Queens office to the late State Senator Jose Peralta in a Wednesday memorial ceremony. Peralta volunteered for the non-profit mentoring organization as a "Big Brother," or mentor.

Peralta spent two years mentoring his "Little Brother" Evans, empowering the boy to excel in school and helping him gain self-confidence. In July 2017, Peralta presented the organization with a $150,000 state allocation to help more than 300 at-risk youth with professional development and college and career readiness.

Peralta died suddenly in November 2018 at the age of 47; his death was later attributed to complications from leukemia, according to the New York Post. He had represented Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst and Woodside after making history in 2010 as the first Dominican-American elected to the State Senate. Peralta lost to State Sen. Jessica Ramos in the September 2018 primary.

“Senator Jose Peralta was a true champion for our organization’s mission, and he went above and beyond to give back to communities across New York City and empower youth to achieve their full potential,” Jon May, trustee and interim director of the group's NYC branch, said in a statement. “He left a tremendous mark on our entire organization, and we are proud to dedicate our Jackson Heights office in his honor.”

The memorial ceremony is Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the nonprofit's Queens office, located at 82-11 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.