Community Corner
Queens Centers for Progress Celebrates 75 Years of Progress & Service
29th Annual "Evening of Fine Food" Raises $140K+, Celebrates Honorees Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, EdD, Uzoamaka N. Okoye, Rachel Kellner
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Queens Centers for Progress marked a milestone anniversary—75 years of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities—by bringing the community together for an evening of celebration, generosity, and gourmet cuisine. The 29th annual "Evening of Fine Food" honored three outstanding individuals whose leadership and service embody the spirit of QCP’s mission.
The event – which raised more than $140,000 - recognized Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, EdD, President and CEO of Vaughn College, and Uzoamaka N. Okoye, Chief of Staff at The New Terminal One, as this year’s "Chefs of the Year." Both honorees have made a profound impact on Queens through their professional and community-driven efforts. In a fun and heartfelt twist, each honoree also showcased their culinary talents, sharing a beloved family recipe with attendees. QCP also proudly presented the Claire Shulman "Spirit of Community" Award to Rachel Kellner, owner of Aigner Chocolates, for her dedication to strengthening the borough through philanthropy and community engagement.
“The heart of our mission at QCP is to uplift and support individuals with developmental disabilities, and our honorees exemplify this spirit of service in everything they do,” said QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “Dr. DeVivo, Ms. Okoye, and Ms. Kellner have each dedicated themselves to making a difference, whether through education, infrastructure, or small business leadership. Their passion and commitment reflect the values we hold dear at QCP, and we are honored to celebrate them during this milestone year for our organization.”
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“The QCP Fine Food night was delicious! I was thrilled to be part of a celebration for QCP and to honor what this organization does to support the progress of our community,” Sharon DeVivo said.
Added Uzoamaka N. Okoye, “The New Terminal One is proud to support the Queens Centers for Progress and its important work in serving individuals in need in our community. Our team was delighted to be a part of the Evening of Fine Food - a vibrant display of the diverse flavors that make the Borough of Queens truly unique. With the New Terminal One opening its doors next year, we look forward to partnering QCP in developing and operating a terminal that is welcoming to all travelers and their needs.”
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“The event was nothing short of incredible. Queens Centers for Progress is a fantastic organization that I’m unbelievably proud to be affiliated with. To be honored in the company of so many inspiring women was an experience I will never forget. The energy, strength and resilience in the room was palpable. It reminded me of the unstoppable force we create when we lift each other up. I feel deeply grateful and energized,” Rachel Kellner said.
For 75 years, QCP has worked tirelessly to provide person-centered services that promote independence and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. The annual Evening of Fine Food serves as both a celebration of community and a vital fundraiser supporting these efforts.
The in-person benefit raised funds to support QCP’s programs and services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives. More than 600 people sampled dishes from some of Queens' finest restaurants and drink purveyors while supporting QCP’s mission at the lively event at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
For the first time, the Evening of Fine Food featured dishes from two Glatt Kosher restaurants in Queens, Union Bistro and Simcha Palace. “My family and I are honored to be a part of this wonderful event. There’s nothing better than seeing people come together, enjoy great food, and share a memorable evening, especially to help out a great cause,” said Yaakov Gurgov of the father and son duo of Union Bistro and Simcha Palace.
To delight every palate and accommodate all dietary needs, QCP teamed up with Plant Powered Metro New York and offered exquisite vegan delicacies from Tufino Pizzeria in Astoria and Bevo’s Kitchen.
"We are thrilled to participate in Queens Centers for Progress’ Evening of Fine Food to support their vital work while showcasing the power of whole plant foods to nourish and inspire. By featuring delicious, plant-based dishes from Queens restaurants, we will highlight how a whole-food, plant-based diet can promote health, sustainability, and vibrant communities. Food has the power to bring people together, and we’re excited to share these flavorful, wholesome options with attendees," said Lianna Levine Reisner, Network Director at Plant Powered Metro New York.
“I am excited to be working with a few of our local restaurants to support an organization that does such wonderful work in the community, while bringing the flavors of African food and culture to the event,” says Akin Akinsanya of African Restaurant Week.”
“It’s incredible to see the continued enthusiasm for this event year after year. People tell us they leave with a list of must-visit restaurants and a renewed commitment to supporting our work. The Evening of Fine Food isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of community, culinary creativity, and compassion,” said QCP Director of Development Wendy Gennaro.
Participating establishments were: Aigner Chocolates, Angie's Delightful Bites, Arepalicious, Austin’s Ale House, Bevo’s Kitchen, Bourbon Street, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Suya – TOA, Caltein Co., Chef Paul Restaurant, Delicions African Orchards, El Buho Mezcal, Ev Mclilley Teas, Fuzi Pasta Co., Havana Central, Heritage Bread Pudding, Il Bacco NY, Il Nonno Ristorante, Kaieteur Restaurant, Kam Rai Thai, Khalil Biryani House, MadeFresh Organic, Marbella Restaurant & Catering, Master Panda, Max Bratwurst und Bier, Mayahuel Restaurant & Bar, McSauce Plates Culinary Horizon LLC, MumsKitchens NYC, Neir's Tavern, One Station Plaza, Rincón Salvadoreño Restaurant, Rudy's Bakery and Café, Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats, Schmidt's Candy, Shari’s Tea, Simcha Palace, Special Sweets, Stop & Shop, Tagpuan NYC, The Wine Room of Forest Hills, Thomas Berry Place, Trattoria 35, Tufino Pizzeria and Union Bistro.
This year’s sponsors were: Veronica Tsang (DIAMOND SPONSOR); The New Terminal One (PLATINUM PLATTER); Long Island Employee Benefits Group (GOLDEN DELIGHT); Gerald J. Caliendo, Architects, Holt Construction, Merritt Engineering, Metropolitan Park, Resorts World NYC, Tarek M. Zeid PE PLLC Consulting Engineer, Total Care RX and Troutman Pepper, Locke (SILVER SPATULA); BDO, Delta Air Lines, Flushing Rotary Charitable Trust, JFK Millennium Partners, Maspeth Federal Savings, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, QPTV, TD Bank and Vaughn College (BRONZE GRILL). The SELFIE BOOTH Sponsors include: Ferrovial Construction, Queens College, Ray-Block Stationery and Raymond Chan Architects. The CASINO sponsors are BoroWide, Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C. and McKissack & McKissack. SPECIAL Sponsors include SafeTech USA LTD and Zara Realty.
Media Sponsors were: Queens Chamber of Commerce, Queens Economic Development Corporation/It’s in Queens, NYC Hospitality Alliance, Schneps/QNS, Queen Public Television, Queens Ledger, Queens Courier, Queens Eagle, Queens Gazette, BQE Media/Queens Ledger, Airport Voice, Metropolitan Airport News, and Yelp.
About Queens Centers for Progress (QCP)
Queens Centers for Progress is committed to providing person-centered services and supports to children and adults who have developmental disabilities. The goal of these services and supports is to promote independence, community involvement, and quality of life. Learn more:
