Queens Centers for Progress Celebrates 75 Years of Service

Queens Centers for Progress (QCP), a cornerstone of support for individuals with developmental disabilities in Queens, will celebrate its 75th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the iconic Terrace on the Park. This milestone event honors the organization’s remarkable journey from its founding in 1950 to its position today as a leader in advocacy, empowerment, and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

Since its inception, QCP has evolved from a small group of dedicated parents and advocates into a comprehensive provider of services that reach more than 1,200 individuals annually. Over three-quarters of a century, QCP has expanded its programs to include early childhood education, vocational training, residential services, and innovative therapies, all designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and quality of life.

Throughout its history, QCP has been at the forefront of change-pioneering inclusive education, advocating for disability rights, and building partnerships that have transformed lives across Queens. Its impact is seen in the thousands of children and adults who have found opportunities, community, and hope through its programs.

“Our 75th Anniversary Gala is more than a celebration of QCP’s history; it’s a testament to the lives we’ve touched and the progress we’ve made together,” says QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “As we honor our past, we are also looking ahead, committed to breaking new ground in how we support people with developmental disabilities. The challenges and opportunities before us inspire us to dream bigger and do even more for the community we serve.”

This milestone event will bring together community leaders, supporters, and advocates to honor individuals making a significant impact in Queens and beyond. The evening will feature dinner, awards presentations, and a celebration of QCP’s legacy of service.

The 2025 Gala will recognize three outstanding honorees for their commitment to QCP’s mission and the broader Queens community:

• Greg Bianco, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Recycling. As the founder and CEO of Metropolitan Recycling, Greg Bianco has demonstrated exceptional leadership in sustainability and community engagement.
• Paul D. Schuldiner, Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer, Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc., a privately held commercial finance company specializing in factoring, asset-based lending, purchase order financing, equipment leasing, and e-commerce direct to consumer inventory financing.
• QCP will also recognize Cindy Heller, Director of Children’s Services at QCP, for her decades of service. Cindy Heller has spent nearly 50 years at QCP. She started as a Special Ed Teacher in 1978, working her way up to Supervising Teacher, Educational Coordinator, Assistant Director and currently as Director of Children’s Services.

The event is being held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with a VIP reception starting at 5:30 PM and general admission from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM at Terrace on the Park at 52-11 111th Street, Corona.
To register or for more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/25QCPGala or call 718-380-3000 x.324. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact Shaun Caruana, Assistant Director of Development, at scaruana@queenscp.org.