29th Annual Evening of Fine Food E-Journal by Queens Centers for Progress

29th Annual Evening of Fine Food 2025 Chefs of The Year

Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo President Vaughn College

Uzoamaka N. Okoye Chief of Staff The New terminal One

Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award Recipient

Rachel Kellner Owner Aigner Chocolates

February 25, 2025

Terrace on the Park

Corporate Sponsors

Sponsor:

Platter

Corporate Sponsors

Platter Sponsor:

Delight Sponsor: Corporate Sponsors

Spatula

Spatula Sponsors: Corporate Sponsors

Grill Sponsors: Corporate Sponsors

Thank You to Our Corporate

Selfie Booth

Booth Sponsors: Corporate Sponsors

Sponsors: Corporate Sponsors

Food Special Sponsors Corporate Sponsors

Thank You to Our

Our Media Sponsors

Thank You to Our

Our Production Team

Raffle Prize Sponsor

Rick Bedrosian Writer

Our Special Guests

Bedrosian & Host

Could Eat

Rabbi Manes Kogan

Rabbi & Spiritual Leader

Hillcrest Jewish Center

Staff & Volunteers

to all of our wonderful volunteers whose time and part of this event. without your help!

SPONSOR

Queens Centers for Progress for 75 years of service to the community and sends her best wishes to this year’s exemplary Chefs of the Year

Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, EdD President, Vaughn College

Uzoamaka N. Okoye Chief of Staff, The New Terminal One and Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award Recipient

Rachel Kellner Owner, Aigner Chocolates

Chairperson Futures in Education

Veronica Tsang Executive Vice President Cathay Bank

Evening of Fine Food 2013 Chef of the Year

BRONZE GRILL SPONSOR

2025 Chef of the Year

Dr. Sharon B.

DeVivo

VaughnCollege

has been with Vaughn College since 1996andpresidentsince2014.Sheistheseventhpresidentofthe institution and the first woman to hold this position. Vaughn is ranked as the number one institution in the nation in upward mobility and is the best at moving students from the bottom 40 percenttothetop40percentinincome.

s strategic objective is to create a transformative educational experience inside and outside the classroom. She has led three strategic planning efforts that have helped to move the College from primarily a training institution to one that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in aviation, engineering, management and technology. Vaughn serves a diverse student body of about 1,200 students who are more than 80 percent generation Americans and first-generation

Sharon was appointed by the US Secretary of Transportation to serve as the chair of the Youth Access to American Aviation Jobs Task Force which provided Congress in fall 2022 with recommendations on how to bring youth, particularly those who are underrepresented, to aviation and aerospace. She also serves on the board of Civil Air Patrol, Federal Aviation Administration’s Management Advisory Council, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, The Wings Club Foundation, Cradle of Aviation Museum, the Greater New York Councils Boy Scouts of America, s Association Advisory Board, Council for Independent Colleges and Universities, the Policy Committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and as a liaison to the Institute of Electrical and (IEEE) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

SharonisthedaughterofaUSNavyMasterChiefandlivedaround the world while growing up. Her degrees include an associate’s fromtheUniversityofMarylandinMunich,Germany,abachelor’s from the State University of New York at Albany, a master’s from

PLATINUM PLATTER

PLATTER SPONSOR

GOLDEN DELIGHT SPONSOR

2025 Chef of the Year

Uzoamaka N. Okoye Chief of Staff

TheNewTerminalOne

is the Chief of Staff at The New TerminalOneatJFK.IncollaborationwiththeCEOandtheExecutive Leadership team, she drives strategy, planning and organizational development across all areas of the business. She oversees several functions that touch every area of the business, including sustainability,communications,boardandcompanygovernance.

Uzoamaka brings more than two decades of experience in the construction and development industry, including substantial expertiseasalegaladviseronconstructionandenvironmentallawin the New York metropolitan area. She served for more than a decade atlawfirmsTroutmanSanders(nowTroutmanPepper)andGibbons, prior to acting as Legal Counsel to The New Terminal One’s Project Management Office for four years before being appointed Chief of

She began her career as a project engineer in New York, working on water and wastewater infrastructure projects and assisting in the oversightandmanagementofdesignandconstruction.

Uzoamaka holds a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Law School, a s Degree in Environmental Engineering from New York Polytechnic School of Engineering and a Bachelor’s DegreeinChemistryfromAmericanUniversity.

SILVER SPATULA SPONSOR

2025 Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award Recipient

received her undergraduate and master’s s School of Social Work. After graduating in 2008, she spent several years working as a staff therapist at the longstanding outpatient substance abuse clinic, BridgeBacktoLife.SheleftBridgeBacktoLifeafterearningthetitle LicensedClinicalSocialWorker.AtthatpointRachelbeganworkingat CounselingServiceofEasternDistrictNewYorkwiththeiralternative toincarcerationprogram.Shefoundedandimplementedanintensive outpatient program at CSEDNY and within a short period of time Rachel became the Director of Intensive Outpatient Services. During hertimeatCSEDNY,Rachelcompletedseveralpostgraduatetraining programs at NYU including Advanced Clinical Practices in Addiction, andbecamelicensedasaSIFI(seminarinfieldinstructor).

In 2013 Rachel enrolled in a three year postgraduate training programat theGestaltCenterforPsychotherapyandTraining. While Rachel held the title of Assistant Clinical Director, she and her business partner, Mark Libertini, took over Aigner Chocolates. Juggling her time between being assistant director, managing the chocolateshopandworkingtowardherpostgraduatedegree,Rachel decidedtoleaveCSEDNYandtransitiontotheshopfulltime.

Rachelfindsiteasiertomakepeoplehappywithapieceofchocolate than months and years of therapy. Rachel is currently a proud member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Forest Hills Chamber founder of Metro Village of Forest Hills, and alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Program. When she isn’t workingsheenjoysspendingtimewithherchildren.

SILVER SPATULA SPONSOR

PROGRAM

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

Rabbi Manes Kogan - Rabbi & Spiritual Leader, Hillcrest Jewish Center

Presentation by Elected Officials

Honorable James F. Gennaro - Councilman 24th District

7:15 PM Event Program

Roz Nieves – Emcee QCP Mission

AWARDS PRESENTATION

2025 Chef of the Year

Sharon B. DeVivo President

Vaughn College

2025 Chef of the Year

Uzoamaka N. Okoye Chief of Staff The New Terminal One

Claire Shulman Spirit of Community Award

Rachel Kellner Owner

Aigner Chocolates

SPONSOR RECOGNITION

Presentation of Plaques to Our Generous Sponsors

8:20 PM Silent Auction Closes

8:30 PM Last Spin on the Wheel of Luck

Last Chance to buy Raffle Tickets

8:45 PM 50/50 Raffle, Casino Raffle, Wheel of Luck Raffle Winners announced

Pick up your silent auction winnings!

Closing Remarks

BOARD MEMBERS

Executive Director

Terri Ross

President

Thomas N. Toscano, Esq.

Vice Presidents

Joseph A. Cristiano

Hon. David Elliot

Hon. Raymond J. Irrera

Hon. Tarek M. Zeid

Active Past Presidents

Hon. George E. Berger

John J. Governale

Michael Macaluso

Margaret MacPherson

Jack M. Weinstein

Adult Center

81-15 164th Street

Jamaica, NY 11432

Tel.: 718-380-3000

Fax: 718-380-0483

Secretary

Patricia Coulaz

Treasurer

Franz Gritsch

Board of Trustees

Gerald J. Caliendo

Raymond Chan

Anthony S. Cosentino

Lara Gregory

Tyquana Henderson-Rivers

Hon. James Kilkenny

Nancy Vargas

Director of Development

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

THANK YOU

Event Chairperson

Margaret MacPherson

QCP Board of Directors

Event Committee

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

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

Michael J. Macaluso, Michael J. Macaluso & Associates

Hersh Parekh, 2024 Chef of the Year

Frank Quatela, Quatela Architects & 2024 Chef of the Year

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

Thomas N. Toscano, Esq. President

Terri Ross Executive Director

QCP Development Team

Wendy Phaff Gennaro Director of Development

Shaun Caruana Jyoti Lakhani Meliza Santiago

THANK YOU

With Gratitude

I take this opportunity to thank you for making QCP’s 29th 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, Rabbi Manes Kogan, and Roz Nieves 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 Committee members.

Heartfelt

Appreciation, Wendy Phaff Gennaro, Director of Development

YEAR

2024

2023

FORMER CHEFS

QCP RECOGNIZES FORMER "CHEFS OF THE YEAR"

Hersh K. Parekh, Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs;

Frank H. Wu - President; Queens College

Brett Swanson - Sr. Manager Community Affairs/Social Impact; Grubhub

2022 Rhonda Binda, VP - Gov’t Affairs & Social Impact; MSG Ent. Corp

2021

Cecelia Reilly & The Dempsey Family

2020 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 Brian Rooney, Reg. VP; Mutual of America

2016 Hon. Audrey Pheffer

2015

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

Frank J. Quatela, Owner & Principal Architect;

The Leadership Team of Stop & Shop

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!" 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

2007 Sid Davidoff, Esq.; Davidoff, Malito & Hutcher, LLP

MaryAnn Esposito, Host & Creator of "Ciao Italia"

Humanitarian Award Joe Iaboni; Jamaica Rotary Club

Humanitarian Award Jack Friedman; Chamber of Commerce

Daniel Rodriguez, America's NYPD Tenor

2006 Carol Conslato; Con Edison Lidia Mattichhio Bastianich 2005 Estelle Ciooper, Ass’t Parks Commissioner Council Member Mark Weprin 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 Hon.& Mrs. Joel Miele

1999 Joe Previte, Chef of the Year

BRONZE GRILL SPONSOR

CASINO SPONSOR

SELFIE BOOTH SPONSOR

SPECIAL SPONSOR

75 Years of QCP

QCP HISTORY

1950 – 1980: ESTABLISHING THE BASE

United Cerebral Palsy of Queens (UCPQ) was founded in 1950 by parents seeking services for their children with cerebral palsy a group of neurological conditions causing physical and mental limitations, caused by damage to the brain before or shortly after birth.

The organization initially operated from a house in Queens, offering clinical services and early childhood education programs, like the Apple Tree Nursery School and the Early Childhood Direction Center, to younger children in hopes of reducing physical limitations caused by cerebral palsy.

As demand for services increased, UCPQ constructed its first building in 1958 at 82-25 164th Street in Jamaica Queens, which housed both the children’s program and administrative offices. In 1966, an annex was added to accommodate growth. By 1974, UCPQ expanded again, building a vocational training facility at 81-15 164th Street. This center featured a sheltered workshop that served over 500 adults and offered training in clerical work, printing, and job placement.

During this period, UCPQ’s Board of Directors contained some parents of children with cerebral palsy, a group of medical professionals who guided the formation of clinical services, and a few other interested and capable community leaders. One of the founding members at that time was Natalie Katz (later Natalie Katz Rogers) who assumed and maintained a leadership role on the Board well into the next century.

Additionally, Daniel Wieder was the Executive Director, who had worked briefly for the agency several years earlier and returned as UCPQ’s leader. The children’s program also had a director and assistant director who would remain in their positions for many years. This stability of leadership was a primary reason the program maintained a reputation for excellence.

Funding primarily came from the New York State Department of Education, administered through the New York City Board of Education, with additional support from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. However, disparities in funding compared to public school programs created staffing challenges that persisted over time. To supplement its government funding, UCPQ held a variety of events throughout the year. These included an annual dinner Gala which was strongly supported by the NYC Department of Buildings, a Bike-A-Thon, and a Walk-A-Thon. UCPQ also participated in a national telethon run by the UCP National organization.

1980 – 2015: AGENCY EXPANSION

The 1980s marked a period of transformative growth for UCPQ, as it expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1981, UCPQ began providing residential services with the acquisition of a house in Jamaica Estates where eight individuals lived and was staffed on a 24/7 basis. This milestone was soon followed by the introduction of a Day Treatment program, which provided essential support for adults unable to participate in traditional vocational activities.

With the advent of Medicaid funding for residential and community-based services, UCPQ seized the opportunity to further its mission. These funds were administered through the New York State Office of Mental Retardation (OMR – later to become the Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities – OPWDD). In the mid-1980s UCPQ acquired a 6.5-acre plot of land in Bellerose, Queens and developed plans to construct a day program building for 150 adults and five 10 bed residential homes. Construction was completed and the programs opened in 1989. This expansion reflected a broader societal shift toward deinstitutionalization,

QCP HISTORY

1980 – 2015: AGENCY EXPANSION (cont’d)

moving people from large state-run facilities, like the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, into community-centered environments.

Simultaneously, UCPQ opened an Article 16 Clinic to offer diagnostic and therapeutic services, while its vocational programs evolved to include Supported Employment. This innovative approach provided individuals with on-the-job training in community workplaces, supported by job coaches. This emphasis was to recognize the rights and wishes of people with developmental disabilities to be members of their local communities, participating in many of the same daily living and recreation activities typical of their community neighbors.

Recognizing its expanded mission and the diverse needs of the people it served, UCPQ underwent a significant rebranding, becoming Queens Centers for Progress (QCP). The name signaled a commitment to serving children and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism, as well as including programs for the growing senior population who may no longer have wished to participate in vocational activities.

The organization’s growth was shepherded by a leadership transition following the passing of Daniel Wieder in 1987. Charles Houston, who had joined the agency in 1981, assumed the role of Executive Director, guiding QCP through an era of unprecedented expansion. Under his stewardship, the agency’s budget grew from $8 million to $35 million with a staff of 600, many of whom worked in the residential program.

QCP’s fundraising efforts also flourished, with successful events and collaborations with corporate donors, such as the annual golf outing with The Home Depot. Additionally, QCP has established Team QCP, a marathon team dedicated to raise funds for the agency and has consistently participated in the TCS NYC Marathon every year. These partnerships underscored the community’s trust in QCP and its mission.

2015 – 2025: INTO THE FUTURE

As QCP approached its 65th anniversary, it faced new challenges, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Center-based programs experienced significant declines in attendance, and staffing shortages became more acute as rising minimum wages made it difficult to compete with other industries as New York State minimum wages were raised, increasing the range of other types of employment paying as much or more than many entry-level positions in programs like QCP’s. In the children’s program the salary gap widened further between positions in New York City public schools and the salaries that rates permitted in special schools like QCP’s, making it more challenging to fill teacher and therapist positions. Despite these obstacles, QCP’s commitment to service never wavered.

Medicaid-funded programs for adults continued to form the backbone of QCP’s operations, accounting for 80% of its operating budget. However, the unpredictability of government funding underscored the need for increased community support and innovative fundraising efforts.

In 2017, QCP experienced another leadership transition as Charles Houston retired after 36 years of dedicated service. Terri Ross, who had served various leadership roles within the organization, stepped into the role of Executive Director. Under her guidance, QCP successfully navigated the complexities of the pandemic and continued to uphold its reputation for excellence.

QCP HISTORY

2015 – 2025: INTO THE FUTURE (cont’d)

Throughout its history, QCP has been anchored by the stability and expertise of its leadership. With only three Executive Directors in 75 years and a Board of Directors deeply invested in the organization’s mission, QCP has consistently provided high-quality services to the Queens community. The naming of the Natalie Katz Rogers Training and Treatment Center stands as a testament to the enduring impact of its founders and supporters.

As QCP celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, it reflects on a legacy of service, resilience, and innovation. With a steadfast commitment to empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities, QCP looks to the future with optimism, ready to build on its storied history and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

A Tribute to Our Founder - Natalie Rogers

To learn more about her amazing work and how her legacy lives on at QCP, pleasescanbelow:

Natalie Katz Rogers was a trailblazing advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), leaving an indelible mark on the community she served. As a founder of Queens Centers for Progress (QCP), she laid the foundation for vital support systems that continue to benefit countless lives.

Her unwavering dedication to championing the rights and needs of both children and adults with IDD set a powerful example for others in the field. Natalie's role as a mentor inspired and guided many professionals, shaping the future of disability advocacy. Her work extended beyond local efforts, as she played a crucial role in establishing the Cerebral Palsy Association of New York State.

Evening of Fine

Food Memories

5 Burro Café JetBlue

Adria Hotel and Conference Center Kam Rai Thai

Aigner Chocolates Kupferberg Center for the

Alley Pond Environmental Center LaGuardia Airport

Angie's Delightful Bites Landry's Inc.

Arepalicious Living Yoga

Austin's Ale House MadeFresh Organic BAM Mama's of Corona

Ben's Restaurant Group, Inc. Marbella Restaurant

Bevo's Kitchen Master Panda

Bloom Botanical Bistro Max Bratwurst und Bourbon Street Mayahuel Restaurant

Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center Minuteman Bellerose

Brooklyn Brewery MsSauce Plates Culinary

Christie & Co. Salon Mumskitchens

City Line Garden Center Museum of the Moving Courtyard Marriott Westbury Nassau County Museum

Cucala Dance Company Neirs Tavern

Dee's Wood Fired Pizza & Kitchen Nick's Bistro

Duty Free Americas NYVA Restaurant

El Buho Mezcal O Lavrador

Flushing Town Hall One Station Plaza

FUZI PASTA CO Orange Theory Fitness

Havana Central Penny Feder Studio

Heritage Bread Pudding Peter Andrews China Il Bacco Premium Bag

Inn at Great Neck P's Baking & Catering

Irene Scalfani QG Floral + Landscape

Silent Auction Donors

Queens Botanical Garden

Thai Queens Center Mall

Performing Arts

Airport Hotel

Inc.

Yoga

Organic

Queens Theatre in the Park

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Ray-Block Stationery

Resorts World Casino

Rincon Salvadoreno Restaurant

Corona Rivercrest & Catering

Rudy's Bakery & Café

Panda Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats

und Bier

Schmidt's Candy

Restaurant & Bar SkyZone

Bellerose

Culinary Horizon LLC

NYC

Moving Image

Museum of Art

Special Sweets

Steve Madden

Stop & Shop

Tao

Teknicolor Art Gallery/Philip Capasso

Tavern The Artisan Crepe

Bistro The New Victory Theatre

Restaurant Group

Lavrador

Plaza

Fitness

The Wine Room of Forest Hills

Tilles Center

Tratorria 35

UBS Arena

Studio Union Bistro

China & Crystal Wildlife Conservation Society

Bag

Services Inc.

Landscape

William McGee

Thank you to the team of LS Sign Co., Inc. for their continued support and generosity of Evening of Fine Food and Queens Centers for Progress.