2017 Strengthening Neighborhoods Inspiring Change Gala

More than 200 people came out to support Queens Community House (QCH) at its “Strengthening Neighborhoods Inspiring Change” Gala on Wednesday, October 25.

Emcees for the evening’s program were Tamiru Mammo, a member of the QCH Board of Directors, and Anjelica Morell, a former participant in QCH’s Voyages Preparatory High School and current participant in its College Access and Success Program. She opened the program by saying, “It is because of QCH that I am now in my last semester at LaGuardia Community College.”

Special focus was given to the agency’s Immigration Support Services Program; the highlighted Live Ask portion of the evening featured a poignant video chronicling the story of two Immigrant families.  QCH offers free assistance and legal services for immigrants including citizenship applications, DACA, and other legal residency needs. The video debuted for the first time at the event.

QCH honored The Queens Museum for providing an on-site Art Therapy program for QCH Participants who are physically frail, socially isolated and/or memory-impaired. “It's been incredible to see the way the seniors and caregivers respond to actually making art with our Art Therapists," said Queens Museum Executive Director, Laura Raicovich. "We couldn't be more proud of our work together."

The event, at Blend On the Water, in Long Island City, raised $175,000, of which $30,000 was raised during the “Live Ask” led by QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases. “The generosity of this community and the caring support of the individuals at this event are proof of what a special place to live we all have in Queens," said Thomases.

Council Member Karen Koslowitz presented QCH with a Proclamation signed by all Council Members in Queens.  

In addition to Queens Museum, other honorees included:  John Albert, Esq., a lobbyist with Bolton-St. Johns, a government relations and public affairs firm; and John Dimino, VP and Regional Manager, M&T Bank in Melville, NY.

Gala sponsors were M&T Bank and Lamb Financial.

Proceeds from the gala will support QCH’s mission of providing individuals and families with tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.  The nonprofit annually offers 20,000 Queens residents a much-needed support system at every stage of life.

Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-service settlement house serving more than 20,000 children, youth, adults and older adults every year.  Our mission is to provide individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.  Through a broad network of programs operating out of 29 sites in 14 neighborhoods, we offer Queens residents a needed support system at every stage of life, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to change their lives for the better and become active participants in their larger community.