Arts & Entertainment
Queens Centers for Progress Draws 500+ to “Evening of Fine Food"
Annual Event Raises More than $120K, Supports Programs/Services to Support Thousands of Children and Adults With Developmental Disabilities
Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) brought together more than 500 people for the 26th annual “Evening of Fine Food” on March 15, an evening celebrating community, resilience, and the value of giving. The in-person event – which raised more than $120,000 - also saw the presentation of the first-ever Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award, and welcomed a dynamic, new partner, Grubhub, which treated Queens families unable to attend to an evening of delightful dishes.
The event raised funds to support the longtime organization’s programs and services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities to lead more independent lives. Though last year the event was held by Zoom due to the pandemic, this year it’s back in person!
The celebratory gathering recognized two “Chefs of the Year” who have made a difference in Queens and honored the legacy of the late Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, a past “Chef of the Year” and supporter of the event and QCP.
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“Claire Shulman was always delighted to attend our ‘Evening of Fine Food’ and welcome guests; her joy was infectious, because she recognized that while this event was only for one night, its impact would last well beyond that,” said QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “There is no one who embodies the spirit of the Queens community more than Claire Schulman did. We could not imagine this event without her, and selfishly, this is our way of making sure she is here with us every year going forward.”
“We were particularly delighted to have Drew Kerr as the first recipient of the Claire Schulman Spirit of Community Award,” said QCP Director of Development Wendy P. Gennaro. “Mr. Kerr’s dedication to spotlighting members of the Restaurant Community in a unique and intimate way has significantly supported the hospitality sector during the pandemic. He gave both his heart and his hand to keep the needs of our restaurants in the public’s mind, and we were extremely grateful to him for this wonderful project.”
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Drew Kerr is the Creative Director and Founder of the Queens Chef Project, which spotlights the culinary community amid the pandemic, showcasing the stories of chefs and restaurant owners to highlight their experiences and to encourage New Yorkers to visit their establishments.
"In her 16 years as borough president, Claire put Queens residents and businesses first, especially cultural institutions," Drew Kerr said. "In the same spirit of Claire, I am honored to put a spotlight on the people who are like our second families, the chefs and food workers of Queens."
Claire Shulman’s daughter, Ellen Baker, thanked QCP for the recognition. “My mother was, and remains, the spirit of community in Queens,” Ellen Baker said. “I am certain she would be very honored by this tribute and award, because she dedicated her life to encouraging others to show their community spirit. Thank you for this recognition. We congratulate Drew Kerr on this honor and wish QCP a successful event.”
The benefit also honored two “Chefs of the Year”— people who have made an impact and a difference in the community: Rhonda Binda, Vice President, Government Affairs and Social Impact, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation, and Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO, Maspeth Federal Savings. In addition to being honored, they served their community in a different way — by cooking a family specialty!
“What an honor it is to be QCP's ‘Chef of the Year’ and support this exceptional organization. Your contribution to QCP is a recipe for delivering unparalleled services, with great dedication, to the developmentally disabled community,” said Rhonda Binda, Vice President, Government Affairs and Social Impact, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation. “Please support QCP generously as they truly make a difference in so many lives here in Queens.”
“I am honored to serve as ‘Chef of the Year’ to help the Queens Center for Progress. People should support this vital organization because it assists so many with developmental challenges. Generosity is an inspiring aspect of human nature that enables our neighborhoods, communities, and the world at large to survive and thrive! I am glad to participate in an event that supports the life changing work of the QCP,” said Thomas Rudzewick, President & CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings.
This year, QCP also sought to create an opportunity to treat others who could not attend the “Evening of Fine Food” in person. Thanks to a substantial grant from the Grubhub Community Relief Fund, QCP provided 50 hunger-insecure families within its network and affiliated with the Variety Boys & Girls Club in Astoria with $100 Gift cards to enjoy meals (during or after the event, where they could watch livestreamed, too!)
“Since our inception, community has been core to our mission, and collaborating with Grubhub illustrates this commitment,” said Wendy Gennaro. “We applaud their commitment to supporting causes that address food insecurity in Queens and for supporting the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which kept many of our neighborhood establishments alive during the pandemic. We thank Grubhub for ensuring that families, particularly those struggling to put food on the table, are able to enjoy this event even if they could not be with us in person.”
The festivities included an exceptional and engaging dining experience featuring culinary delicacies from the finest restaurants and beverage purveyors in the area. As hundreds of guests mingled, sampled gourmet foods, and enjoyed an open bar, they also enjoyed Comedians Suzanne Windland, Magician Apollo Riego, Jim Altamore performing the songs of Frank Sinatra, and the sounds of DJ Mike Kouros of Bravo Sound. And guests participated in the silent auction and took “selfies” in a Le Selfie photo booth. Skye Ostreicher of City & State joined the evening as a special guest and emcee.
Participating food vendors included: Aigner’s Chocolate, Annam Brahma, Arepalicious, Austin’s Ale House, Bourbon Street, Buzz’d Express Coffee, Café Renis, Eat Gai, Frank Macchio & Family, Havana Central, Isa’s Cake, Javamelts, La Casa de Julia Restaurant & Bar, Lessing's Hospitality Group, MadeFresh Organic, Malki Palki (Kosher). Marbella Restaurant, Max Bratwurst Und Bier, MumsKitchens NYC, One Station Plaza, Philly Pretzel Factory Forest Hills, P's Baking & Catering Services, Inc., Remy's Italian Restaurant, Rudy’s Bakery and Café, Schmidt's Candy, Shanghai You Garden, Stop & Shop, Symphony Importers, The Nourish Spot, The Wine Room of Forest Hills, Trini Bites, Vassilaros Coffee Company, Veeray da Dhaba, Woodro Kosher Deli and Woops! Macarons & Corporate Gifting.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York City Council Members James Gennaro, Linda Lee, Shekar Krishnan, Sandra Ung, and Vickie Paladino, and New York State Assemblyman David Weprin, and John Hammer of the New York City Department of Education were among those who spoke during the event’s program.
This year’s fundraiser boasted a robust group of sponsors, including Grubhub, a leading global food delivery marketplace. Because of their generosity, QCP provided families faced with food insecurity with gift cards so they can order dinner through Grubhub and enjoy the show virtually.
"Queens Center for Progress is doing amazing work by providing opportunities for people with disabilities to make meaningful choices in their own lives - a mission that Grubhub firmly stands behind. By supporting QCP and other organizations, we look forward to continuing to advance progress in the community," said Brett Swanson, Head of Community Affairs and Social Impact at Grubhub.
Among the other amazing sponsors were: Veronica Tsang (Diamond Sponsor); Gerald J. Caliendo, Architects, Long Island Employee Benefits Group, Maspeth Federal Savings & Loan, and Mutual of America (Golden Delight Sponsors); D & F Development Group, Flushing Bank, Resorts World, New York Community Bank, and, Merritt Engineering (Silver Spatula Sponsors); MJM Architects PLLC, Mr. T Carting, The Rotary Club of Flushing, and Investors Bank (Bronze Grill Sponsors); Greenberg Trairig, SafeTech Security and TotalCareRX , and Zara Real Estate (Entertainment Sponsors); and, BDO, Koeppel Auto Group, Law Office of Donna Furey, and Raymond Chan Architect, P.C. (Selfie Sponsors).
Media sponsors were: City & State, Metropolitan Airport News, QNS.com, QPTV, Queens Courier, Queens Ledger, Times Ledger, 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:
