Courtesy of QCP
MOHAMED FARGHALY
Mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The flavors of the “World’s Borough” will take center stage next month as Queens Centers for Progress celebrates the 30th anniversary of its signature Evening of Fine Food, one of the longest-running culinary fundraisers in Queens.
The event, set for Feb. 24 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, is expected to draw more than 700 guests for an evening of food, drink and community support. Restaurants and beverage purveyors from across Queens will present dishes representing more than a dozen countries, offering what organizers describe as a global tasting tour rooted in the borough’s diversity.
Founded in 1950, Queens Centers for Progress has spent 75 years providing services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The annual Evening of Fine Food has become a cornerstone fundraiser for the organization, helping sustain programs that now serve more than 1,200 children and adults across Queens.
“Reaching the 30-year milestone for our Evening of Fine Food speaks to the strength and generosity of the Queens community and the partners who stand with the people we support,” said QCP Executive Director Terri Ross. “This year, as we celebrate three decades of sharing incredible food and even more incredible stories, every ticket and every sponsorship helps ensure that children and adults with developmental disabilities can live with greater independence, dignity, and opportunity.”
The 2026 event will honor three “Chefs of the Year”: Patricia Ornst of Delta Air Lines, Richard S. David of Con Edison and Ben Guttman of the Queens Economic Development Corporation. Each honoree will prepare a family specialty as part of the evening. QCP will also present the Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award to Loycent Gordon, founder and owner of Neir’s Tavern, the city’s oldest pub.
“During the pandemic, I reconnected with my heritage by learning to cook traditional Guyanese dishes,” David said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to now use that passion to support QCP and the children and adults with developmental disabilities who benefit from its work every day. I’m grateful to QCP for this honor, proud to serve as a Chef of the Year, and inspired to keep cooking for a cause that strengthens our entire community.”
Ben Guttman said the event reflects the organization’s long-standing role in the borough. “For generations, QCP has been tirelessly working to make this borough one of the most supportive and inclusive communities anywhere in the world,” he said. “It’s an honor to join them as a ‘Chef of the Year’ – and I can’t wait to celebrate with my fellow friends and honorees. And frankly, I also can’t wait to taste all the food from some of Queens’ best restaurants!”
Gordon said the mission of QCP mirrors his own experience as a small business owner. “A community is only as strong as how it cares for its most vulnerable members, and that’s what QCP does for Queens every day,” he said. “Like many of the people QCP supports, Neir’s Tavern is still here because of our Neir’s Ambassadors Club members and supporters who believed in us. I’m honored to receive the Claire Shulman ‘Spirit of Community’ Award as we stand with QCP in helping children and adults with developmental disabilities live more independent lives.”
Participating restaurants announced so far include Aigner Chocolates, Bevo’s Kitchen, Il Nonno Ristorante, Kaieteur Restaurant, Marbella Restaurant & Catering, Rincón Salvadoreño Restaurant and The Wine Room of Forest Hills, among others. Additional restaurants and sponsors are expected to be announced later this month.
“For three decades, this event has been where great food meets a great cause, and the energy in the room just keeps growing,” said QCP Director of Development Wendy Gennaro. “Guests discover new favorite restaurants, reconnect with neighbors, and leave knowing they have played a real part in sustaining QCP’s vital programs for more than 1,200 individuals with developmental disabilities each year.”
Tickets for the Evening of Fine Food are $150 per person. The event begins with a sponsor VIP reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by general admission from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Proceeds will support QCP’s mission of helping people with developmental disabilities lead more independent, inclusive and fulfilling lives.
