Queens Centers for Progress Presents “Evening of Fine Food"

In just two weeks – on Tuesday, February 28 – hundreds of people will come together to dine and dish at one of the borough’s most dynamic wintertime events: Queens Centers for Progress’ 27 th annual “Evening of Fine Food”at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens.

The in-person benefit will raise funds to support the longtime organization’s programs and
services, assisting more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities to lead more
independent lives.

QCP today announced the emcee of the event: Greg Mocker. A multiple Emmy Award winner for his coverage of transportation issues in New York City, Greg has been with PIX11 since April 2010. He previously worked as a Reporter/ Bureau Chief at KTEN in Ardmore, OK, and as a Report and Anchor at WJBF in Augusta, GA and KOB in Albuquerque, NM, and later at KPHO in Phoenix, AZ until 2007. Immediately prior to PIX11, he produced and created video content for TurnHere and StudioNow.

Additionally, QCP today revealed the full roster of participating venues: Aigner Chocolates,
Althea’s Tropical Delights LLC, Austin’s Ale House, Bevo’s Kitchen, LLC,
Blueberry’s Bakery, Bourbon Street, Café Renis, Citizen Cider, Co Co La Reve,
Filipiniana Restaurant & Catering, Havana Central, Kaieteur Restaurant, Kuku
Chicken, MadeFresh Organic, Marbella Restaurant & Catering, MumsKitchens
NYC, My Kitchen Events, One Station Plaza, PaNash Eurosoul, Papazzio
Restaurant & Catering, Philly Pretzel Factory – Forest Hills, QB Lobster House,
Remy’s Italian Restaurant, Ricas Pupusas, Schmidt’s Candy, Southern Glazers
Wine & Spirits, Stop & Shop, Taste of Nepal, The Wine Room of Forest Hills, and
Zaab Zaab (as well as returning chefs Frank Macchio of the Flushing Rotary Club and
Dan Leone of QPTV).

QCP will honor three “Chefs of the Year”, people who have made an impact and a difference in the community: Frank Wu, President, Queens College; Brett Swanson, Community Affairs & Social Impact, Grubhub; and will recognize the leadership team at Stop & Shop. In addition to being honored, the “Chefs” will serve their community in a different way — by cooking a family specialty!

QCP also will present the Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award to Detective Tanya
Duhaney, Community Affairs Bureau, NYPD South. Other special guests include
writer and host Rick Bedrosian (I Could Eat), food writer, author and culinary tour guide
Joe DiStefano (111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss), and Msgr. Jamie
Gigantiello (Breaking Bread).

“For more than 70 years, QCP has been helping adults and children to live their best lives,” said
QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “Core to our mission is the belief that all people can
learn and that everyone – in spite of any developmental disability – can make meaningful
choices about their lives.”

Tickets are $135 per person. The event is presented from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.

The festivities will include an exceptional and engaging dining experience featuring culinary
delicacies from the finest restaurants and beverage purveyors in the area. As guests mingle, they
can sample gourmet foods, and enjoy the variety of beverages offered. They also can enjoy the
smooth sounds of Jim Altamore, play Blackjack and Roulette at the Casino, plus guests can
participate in the silent auction and take “selfies” in a Le Selfie photo booth.

“We are so excited to come together in person for an exciting ‘Evening of Fine Food’!” said QCP
Director of Development Wendy Gennaro. “We are looking to outdo ourselves again this
year and break another fundraising record! We are extremely grateful to our extraordinary
Board of Directors, our many generous restaurants, our sponsors, and everyone who is ready to
get out and have a good time for a great cause!”

Honoree and “Chef of the Year” Brett Swanson said, "I am so grateful to be chosen as a Chef
of the Year and to support the mission of Queens Centers for Progress! Your work has changed
the lives of so many, and I am incredibly proud to be aligned with such an amazing group!
Cheers to many more years to come. Bon appetit!"

Added honoree and “Chef of the Year” Frank Wu, “I am as excited to be as chef for the QCP
Evening of Fine Food as I am to live in the world’s borough where every culture is represented
by its cuisine.”

“Stop & Shop is thrilled to be recognized by Queens Centers for Progress and proud to employ
hundreds of their clients,” said Maura O’Brien, External Communications & Community
Relations Manager for Stop & Shop. “Since we serve the larger Queens community every day at
our ten area stores, serving the QCP community the Evening of Fine Foods is right up our alley.”

Sponsors are: Veronica Tsang (Diamond Sponsor), as well as: Long Island Employee
Benefits Services and Mutual of America (Golden Delight Sponsors); Gerald J.
Caliendo Architects, Grubhub, Merritt Engineering Consulting, New York
Community Bancorp, Inc., Queens College, Resorts World NYC, and Stop & Shop
(Silver Spatula Sponsors); Champion Elevator, Corp., D & F Development Group,
Maspeth Federal Savings, Mr. T Carting, QPTV, and TotalCareRX (Bronze Grill
Sponsors); The Rotary Club of Flushing (Casino Sponsor); Ray-Block Stationary, TD
Bank, and Zara Realty (Entertainment Sponsor); and, BDO, Koeppel Auto Group, Law
Office of Donna Furey, and Raymond Chan Architects (Selfie Booth Sponsors).

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact Wendy Gennaro, (718)
380-3000, ext. 325, or email WPhaffGennaro@queenscp.org.

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:

www.queenscp.org.
www.facebook.com/QueensCP
https://www.linkedin.com/company/queenscp
www.twitter.com/QueensCP