The Queens Centers for Progress celebrated its 76th Anniversary Gala, a Broadway-themed event, on Tuesday, June 2, at the Terrace at the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

This celebration honored the organization’s journey from its founding in 1950 to its position today as a cornerstone of support for individuals with developmental disabilities, having grown into a leader in advocacy, empowerment and community inclusion for these individuals.

Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography

Beginning as a small group of dedicated parents and advocates, the Queens Centers for Progress now provides services that reaches over 1,200 individuals annually. Its programs have expanded to include early childhood education, vocational training, residential services and innovative therapies. All these programs are meant to help those with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and quality of life.

The 76th Anniversary Gala raised $90,000 through the support of attendees and sponsors. In addition to this funding, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced his office will be providing $500,000 to the Queens Centers for Progress to help in its mission of supporting individuals in Queens with developmental disabilities. Additionally, New York City Council Members James F. Gennaro and Linda Lee have committed another $300,000.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced his office will be providing $500,000 to the Queens Centers for Progress. Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography
Council Member James Gennaro at the gala. Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography

Community leaders, supporters and advocates came together at the gala to honor people making a singificant impact in Queens and beyond. There was a dinner, awards presentations, proclamations and a celebration of the legacy of service of the Queens Centers for Progress.

Queens Centers for Progress leadership and board members at the gala. Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography

This year’s gala honored Flagstar Bank Managing Director and Market Executive Runi Mehta and Otterbourg P.C. Partner Jason I. Miller for their professional excellence and community engagement, reflecting the mission of Queens Centers for Progress.

A seasoned banking professional, Mehta has more than two decades of experience spanning global financial institutions, including Santander Bank, Citibank and ICICI Prudential. She has earned recognition for her client-focused approach and leadership in relationship management. Additionally, she is deeply engaged in philanthropic efforts. She is the Chair of the Bankers and Accountants Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City and participates in the Central Park Conservancy and Lincoln Center Corporate Fund.

A highly respected attorney in Otterbourg P.C.’s Banking and Finance Department, Miller represents a wide range of financial institutions in complex lending transactions. He has served as lead counsel on thousands of deals that total over $10 billion in committed capital. In addition to being recognized by Legal 500, Super Lawyers and the Secured Finance Network, Miller is an advocate for pro bono work and charitable causes. Among the organizations he has supported are Fabulous and Fighting and Water Collective.

Keeping in the Broadway theme, this year’s gala featured a special performance from the organization’s theater program, the QCP Players. They performed a musical number from their upcoming production of “Annie Kids” on June 4 and 5, showcasing the talents and creativity of those served by the Queens Centers for Progress and receiving a standing ovation. While attendance of the production is free, it is recommended that those interested in going reserve a ticket by clicking here.

The QCP Players performed a musical number from their upcoming production of “Annie Kids.” Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography

“Our Summer Gala is always a highlight of the year, bringing together our community to celebrate the achievements of those who support our mission,” Queens Centers for Progress Executive Director Terri Ross said. “We are grateful for the generous support from Borough President Richards and the Council Members James F. Gennaro and Linda Lee. We are proud to have honored Runi Mehta and Jason Miller for their leadership and commitment, and we were especially excited to spotlight the incredible talents of our QCP Players.”

Queens Centers for Progress Executive Director Terri Ross speaks at the gala. Photo credit: Dominick Totino Photography

Sponsors for this year’s gala included Flagstar Bank, Otterbourg P.C., Valley Bank, Daybright/Long Island Employee Benefits Group, Friends of QCP CIT/First Citizens Bank, Gerald J. Caliendo, R.A, A.I.A Architect, IDB Bank, Milberg Factors Inc., Ray-Block Stationery, TotalCareRX and Wells Fargo Advisors. Rosenthal Capital Group was a benefactor and Tarek M. Zeid, P.E. Consulting Engineer was a patron.