for 74 years of service to the community. And sends her best wishes to this year’s exemplary Chefs of the Year
Hersh K. Parekh and Frank J. Quatela
and Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award Recipient
Lara Gregory, Esq.
Chairperson Futures in Education
Veronica Tsang
Executive Vice President Cathay BankEvening of Fine Food 2013 Chef of the Year
Thank You to
Rick Bedrosian Writer & Host I Could
Greg Mocker Reporter PIX11
A special thank you to all members and volunteers are a vital part
We couldn’t do it without
Our Staff & Volunteers
all of our wonderful staff volunteers whose time and energy part of this event.
without your help!
serves as Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In this role, Hersh works closely with elected officials and other government partners at the local, state, and federal level, along with business, faith, civic, education, and other community leaders and stakeholders. The focus of this work is to ensure there is regular engagement, open lines of communication, and opportunities for partnership in relation to the agency’s transportation infrastructure facilities and large capital projects. s recent and current major capital projects where Hersh has provided strategic support are the $8 Billion Whole New LGA program, $19 Billion New JFK program, and $10 Billion new Midtown Bus Terminal program. His work has included negotiating to help advance projects and navigating regulatory approval and permitting processes, while also prioritizing the interests of the community and mitigating project impacts.
In the community, Hersh has delivered significant benefits such as STEM educational programming for hundreds of elementary and school students, capacity building programming for local and diverse businesses, millions of dollars in scholarships for high school students, and job training and placement support for thousands of local residents. In addition, he works closely with colleagues across the agency to ensure contracting opportunities are available and accessible for disadvantaged, diverse, and local business enterprises. Under Hersh’s leadership, the Port Authority and its private partners at the LaGuardia Redevelopment Program awarded more than $2 billion in contracts to MWBEs, a historic amount in the State of New York. Additionally, more than $850 million in contracts were awarded to local businesses around LGA. He expects to surpass that record-breaking participation at the JFK Redevelopment Program, ensuring that the economic benefits from these projects continue accruing to the community.
Hersh has worked in politics and government for 15 years. Before coming to the Port Authority, Hersh spent 4½ years working for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, first as the Queens Regional Representative, and then as the Director of Downstate Regional and Intergovernmental Affairs. He is a native of Queens, NY, and a proud graduate of The Bronx High School of Science, Boston University, and the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Hersh is also an attorney admitted to the bar in New
FRANK J. QUATELA is the owner and Principal Architect of Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C. an award winning, architectural firm offering multi-disciplinary services, ranging from the designs of single-family homes to mixed-use high rise
After graduating from New York Institute of Technology in 1996 s in Architecture, Frank immersed himself in gaining as much firsthand experience in this profession. He began his internship in 1995 working in a design-build firm in Long Island, then for a boutique firm in Great Neck and ending in a large Queens firm. His passion and perseverance for architecture drove him to take the next step in his professional
In 2009, Frank J Quatela Architect, P.C. was established. One of the guiding principles behind his firm is the idea that every architect should contribute to the profession by responding to the needs of the community in which they practice. Frank’s contribution can be seen through his participation in local school events, sponsoring national and international students for internships at his firm, volunteering his services to non-profit organizations, and his involvement in the AIA. Frank Quatela is a Registered Architect in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and Connecticut. He is also a member of National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), member of Community Board 7 in Queens, STEM committee member at local schools, and immediate past President of the American Institute of Architects Queens
A lawyer by profession, Ms. Gregory is admitted in the State of New York and practices in the Supreme, Surrogate and Immigration courts. She has presented numerous “Know Your immigration seminars online and has appeared on international television to help educate and best advise those newto our country.
During the pandemic, and before the availability of vaccines, Ms. Gregory launched “Swab and Save Lives” through an initiative which offered free COVID-19 testing directed to reach the most vulnerable in the community regardless of immigration status. This Queens initiative included diverse AAPI communities (including the South Asian communities) through the United Sherpa Association, Interfaith Council for Community Development (ICCD), Ghyalsumdo Sewa Inc., GPK Foundation and local elected officials - uniting with them so that everyone can get tested. As a result, hundreds in the community got tested.
When vaccines became available, Ms. Gregory, together with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NAFFAA), launched the nationwide vaccination campaign, t Hesitate, Vaccinate!”. For her community work during the pandemic, Ms. Gregory received the “Bayani” or Hero Award in 2021 from the eminent Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS-NY Metro). In 2022, Ms. Gregory was also awarded a citation of honor by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for her outstanding community work. In March 2023, Ms. Gregory received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Office of the President of the United States and AmeriCorps for her commitment to community service.
As part of the Hate Crimes Task Force of the National Federation of Filipino Associations (NaFFAA) and of the Filipino Americans for Racial Action (FARA), Ms. Gregory has been at the forefront of the AAPI efforts to combat hate. In addition to webinars, town halls and the global community launch of the anti-hate crime effort with CNN Philippines, she organized AAPI women-led self-defense classes participated by an intergenerational and diverse group of women.
Ms. Gregory serves on and was the immediate past Chair of the Public Safety Committee of Queens Community Board 4, is a member of AAPI Advisory Board of the Queens District Attorney, a member of the Queens Borough President’s Civic Engagement Committee and a committed and valued Board Member of Queens Centers for Progress.
5:30 PM VIP Hour
Wheel of Luck, Silent Auction Bidding & Raffle Sales Open
Selfie Booth Opens
Casino Tables Open
Food Stations open for Sponsors and their guests
6:45 PM Welcome and Invocation
Wendy Phaff Gennaro, QCP Director of Development
Father James O’Shea, C.P. - Provincial, Immaculate Conception Monastery
Presentation by Elected Officials
Honorable James F. Gennaro - Councilman 24th District
7:15 PM Event Program
Greg Mocker, Pix 11 News – Emcee QCP Mission
2024 Chefs of the Year
Hersh K. Parekh Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
2024 Chefs of the Year
Frank J. Quatela A.I.A NCARB Owner & Principal Architect
Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C.
Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award
Lara Gregory, Esq.
Queens Community Leader, QCP Board Member and Principal Attorney
Lara Gregory and Associates
Presentation of Plaques to Our Generous Sponsors
8:30 PM Last Spin on the Wheel of Luck
Last Chance to buy Raffle Tickets
Silent Auction Closes
8:45 PM 50/50 Raffle, Casino Raffle, Wheel of Luck Raffle Winners announced
Pick up your silent auction winnings!
Closing Remarks
Executive Director
Terri Ross
President
Thomas N. Toscano, Esq.
Vice Presidents
Joseph A. Cristiano
Hon. David Elliot
Hon. Tarek M. Zeid
Active Past Presidents
Hon. George E. Berger
John J. Governale
Michael Macaluso
Jack M. Weinstein
Adult Center
81-15 164th Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
Tel.: 718-380-3000
Fax: 718-380-0483
Secretary
Patricia Coulaz
Treasurer
Thomas N. Toscano, Esq.
Board of Trustees
Gerald J. Caliendo
Raymond Chan
Anthony S. Cosentino
Lara Gregory
Franz Gritsch
Tyquana Henderson-Rivers
Hon. Raymond J. Irrera
Hon. James Kilkenny
Margaret MacPherson
Nancy Vargas
Wendy Phaff Gennaro
Bellerose Center
249-16 Grand Central Pkwy
Bellerose, NY 11426
Tel.: 718-279-9404
Fax: 718-423-1404
Children’s Center
82-25 164th Street
Jamaica, NY 11432
Tel.: 718-374-0002
Fax: 718-380-3214
Margaret MacPherson
QCP Board of Directors
Rick Bedrosian, Writer & Host (I Could Eat)
Gerald Caliendo, Gerald Caliendo Architects, PC
Raymond Chan, Raymond Chan Architects
Samantha Chillemi-Berenz, Yelp NYC
Pat Coulaz, QCP Board Member
Joe DiStefano, Culinary Tour Guide & Author (111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss)
Lara Gregory, Lara Gregory and Associates
John Governale, QCP Board Member
Franz Gritsch, Valley National Bank
Tyquana Henderson-Rivers, QCP Board Member
Mary Keating, QCP Family Member
James Kilkenny, QCP Board Member
Laura Licona, Queens Chamber of Commerce
Michael J. Macaluso, Michael J. Macaluso & Associates
Julienne B. Ryan, J. Ryan Partners
Jeff Simmons, Anat Gerstein, Inc.
Thomas N. Toscano, Esq., Mr. T Carting & QCP Board President
Nancy Vargas, DH2 Chauffeured Transportation
Tarek M. Zeid, Tarek M. Zeid & Associates
Terri Ross Executive Director
QCP Development Team
Wendy Phaff Gennaro Director of Development
Shaun Caruana Jyoti Lakhani Meliza Santiago
Thomas N. Toscano, Esq. President
YEAR
2023
Frank H. Wu - President; Queens College
Brett Swanson - Sr. Manager Community Affairs/Social Impact; Grubhub The Leadership Team of Stop & Shop
2022 Rhonda Binda, VP - Gov’t Affairs & Social Impact; MSG Ent. Corp
2021
2020
Cecelia Reilly & The Dempsey Family
William Donnelly, VP - Pharmacy Operations; TotalCareRX Pharmacy
2019 Donna Furey, Attorney at Law; Law Office of Donna Furey Thomas J. Grech, President & CEO; Queens Chamber of Commerce
2018 Scott Molina, President; Resorts World Casino, New York City
2017
2016
2015
Brian Rooney, Reg. VP; Mutual of America
Hon. Audrey Pheffer
Charles and Brenda Catalano; C&S Pharmacy Neil Levin; Webline Designs
2014 Joseph Sciame, VP Comm. Relations; St. John's University
2013 Thomas Galante; The Queens Library
2012 Linda DeSabato, President; Vallo Transportation
2011
Daniel Leone, Ex. Dir.; QPTV Walter Sanchez; Queens Ledger
2010 Dorothy Lewandowski, Queens Parks Commissioner George Stamatiades, Stamtiades funeral home
2009 Jack Rainey, V.P. of Governmental & Community Banking; TD Bank
2008
Mary Ann Mattone
2005 Estelle Ciooper, Ass’t Parks Commissioner
Thomas K. Rudzewick, President & CEO; Maspeth Federal Savings
Mark Boccia, Sr. & Jr.; Food for the Fearless Jonathan Forgash; Queens Together
Hilary Topper, CEO & President; HJMT Public Relations Inc.
Dominick Totino, Photographer; Dominick Totino Photography
Maria Odysseos, Vice President, District Manager; Investors Bank
Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello, Host of Breaking Bread
Chief Diana Pizzuti & Chief David Barrere Cook-Off
Andy Gioe & Brian Kelly; Cascon Baking
Hon. Claire Shulman; Former Queens Borough President
Veronica Tsang, Sr. VP Branch Admin; Eastern Region, Cathay Bank
Hon. Martha Taylor, Attorney & Community Leader
Daisy Martinez, Host & Creator of "Viva Daisy!"
MaryAnn Esposito, Host & Creator of "Ciao Italia"
Humanitarian Award Joe Iaboni; Jamaica Rotary Club
Humanitarian Award Jack Friedman; Chamber of Commerce
2004 Jacqueline Arrington, Director Community Relations; Citibank Councilmember David I. Weprin
2003 Georgiana Reese, V.P.; NY Community Bank Senator Frank Padavan
2002
Gloria D'Amico; Queens County Clerk Borough President Helen Marshall
2001 Stephen Mills, Pres. & CEO; NY Hospital Queens
2000
1999
Hon.& Mrs. Joel Miele
I take this opportunity to thank you for making QCP’s 28th Annual Evening of Fine Food - and Queens’ longest running food tasting - at Terrace on the Park such a success!
Special Thanks to our “Chefs of the Year” who continuously “serve” the Queens Community and whose support of QCP is boundless.
And to all of the wonderful restaurateurs and establishments whose participation makes this event happen, year after year.
Thank you to our friends Rick Bedrosian, Joe DiStefano, Fr. James O’Shea, and Greg Mocker for coming to help us out!
Thank you to our generous sponsors, to our tireless volunteers, and to you, the people who attend our events and support QCP. Your presence this evening helps enrich the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
And thank you to:
QCP Board President
Thomas N. Toscano, Esq.And to our wonderful Event Chairwoman and Committee
My Heartfelt Appreciation,
Wendy Phaff Gennaro, Director of Development
Thank you to the team of
for their continued support and generosity of
5 Burro Café JetBlue
Adrienne's NYC Kam Rai Thai
Aigner Chocolates
Kupferberg Center for the Alley Pond Environmental Center Laguardia Plaza
Arpi's Spa Landry's Inc.
Austin's Ale House
Bevo's Kitchen
Bloom Botanical Bistro
LaVigna Italian Restaurant
Ben's Restaurant Group, Inc. LEGOLAND New York
Lessings Inc.
LP & Company Hair
Bourbon Street Mama's of Corona
Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center
Marbella Restaurant
Brooklyn Cyclones Martha's Country Café Renis Spiderman
Carmine's Mumskitchens
Christie & Co. Salon Museum of the Moving
City Line Garden Center Nassau County Museum
Crayola Experience Neirs Tavern
Cucala Dance Company New York Shuk
Dee's Wood Fired Pizza & Kitchen Nick's Bistro
Drinkology
Nicole P. Thomas
Flushing Town Hall North Hills Country
Frank Macchio NYVA Restaurant
Fuzi Pasta Co O Lavrador
Havana Central October Eve Music
Hazel Village One Station Plaza
Il Bacco Penny Feder Studio
J. Ryan Partners
Peter Andrews China
Thai
Performing Arts
Plaza Hotel
Piccolo Sogno
Premium Bag
QG Floral + Landscape
Queens Theatre in the Park Inc.
Restaurant
York Resort
Inc.
Hair Design
Corona
Ray-Block Stationery
Resorts World Casino
Reynan Punzalan
Rivercrest
Sacs Place
Sala Astoria & Catering
Bakery
Spiderman
NYC
Moving Image
Museum of Art
Tavern
Shuk
Bistro
Thomas
Country Club
Restaurant Group
Lavrador
Music LLC
Plaza
Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats
Schmidt's Candy
Steve Madden
Stop & Shop
The Bier and Cheese Collection
The Matzo Project
The New Victory Theatre
The Paint Place
The Wine Room of Forest Hills
Tilles Center
Tratorria 35
U.S.T.A.
National Tennis Center, Inc.
Veeray da Dhaba
Vetro Restaurant
White Post Farms
Studio Wildlife Conservation Society China
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