QCH, one of the borough’s largest nonprofit organizations headquartered in Forest Hills, welcomed community leaders, elected officials and corporate partners to support the nonprofit’s wide range of programs and services that benefit more than 35,000 Queens residents.

Programs include youth development, workforce training, older adult services, food assistance, affordable childcare and immigration legal services.
Guests enjoy a cocktail reception at the QCH gala.Photos courtesy Queens Community House

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, special video premieres highlighting QCH’s impact on the lives of Queens residents and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters. 

A live ask fundraiser led by a professional charity auctioneer also gave guests more opportunities to donate.

One of the evening’s featured videos shared the story of Chris Ann Williams, a single mother who struggled with postpartum depression while navigating concerns about her young daughter’s developmental progress. 

Through QCH’s Queens Childcare Network, however, Williams received personalized guidance and support to find quality, affordable childcare that helped her daughter grow and thrive. It even gave Williams the opportunity to focus on her own well-being and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. 

The nonprofit also honored individuals and partnerships that have helped QCH advance its mission of building strong, inclusive communities where all Queens residents can thrive. 

Honorees Jennifer Aument, chief executive officer of New Terminal One at JFK Airport, and Council Member Linda Lee, chair of the council’s finance committee, were recognized for their commitment to public service, community development and creation of opportunities for New Yorkers.

QCH Board President Michael Stellman, left, and CEO Ben Thomases, right, with honoree Jennifer Aument, chief executive officer of New Terminal One at JFK Airport.Photos courtesy Queens Community House

Aument was lauded for her leadership in advancing one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects, as well as her commitment to economic opportunity and community investment.

Lee, on the other hand, was recognized for her dedication to public service and advocacy on behalf of Queens residents and communities across New York City.
Council Member Linda Lee, chair of the council’s finance committee.Photos courtesy Queens Community House

Ben Thomases, chief executive officer of QCH, said the gala was an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships that make their work possible while reaffirming the nonprofit’s commitment to helping Queens residents build brighter futures. 

“For 51 years, Queens Community House has been rooted in the belief that strong neighborhoods are built through relationships, opportunity and a shared commitment to one another,” Thomases said. “We are especially grateful to our honorees, Jennifer Aument and Council Member Linda Lee, for their leadership and dedication to strengthening our communities.” 

The event’s premier sponsor was Forest Hills Stadium, which built upon an ongoing partnership with QCH through the “Making Cents for Queens” initiative, launched in June 2026.

Through this initiative, Forest Hills Stadium donates 25 cents from every beer and cocktail sold during its 2026 concert season to QCH. As a result, the funds support essential services including youth workforce training, older adult centers, food pantries, eviction prevention and immigration legal services.

Queens Community House headquarters, located at 108-69 62nd Dr. in Forest Hills.

QCH also recognized its influencer sponsors: Amalgamated Bank, Citadel Securities, Gibson Dunn, Goldman Sachs and JPMorganChase; as well as champion sponsors: Bank of America, Barclays, BTIG, Instinet and JFK Terminal, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. and Lamb Insurance Services.

Together, the nonprofit said these corporate partners have demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for Queens residents.

“We are grateful to Forest Hills Stadium for its generous support as our Premier Sponsor and for its continued commitment to the Queens community,” added Thomases. “We also thank all of our sponsors and supporters whose generosity makes it possible for Queens Community House to continue serving our neighbors and investing in the future of our borough.”

As QCH enters its 52nd year of service, the nonprofit said it remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of the borough’s diverse communities, expanding access to opportunities and bringing neighbors together to build a stronger Queens.