State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (L) and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi (R) will be honored at the event (Photos via New York State Legislature)
May 9, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
One of the largest community-based organizations in Queens is hosting a benefit later this month to honor two elected officials.
The event will take place at the Forest Hills Stadium on May 18 from 6 p.m. and will celebrate State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi.
The reception will recognize the two lawmakers for helping to improve the lives of their constituents, according to Ade Omotoade, the director of development at Queens Community House, the non-profit group hosting the event called “Honoring Local Champions.”
The reception will form part of a fundraiser for the Forest Hills-based organization that has 34 sites in total throughout the borough, which offer a wide range of programs and services to residents.
The lawmakers have also supported initiatives which have benefited the QCH, Omotoade said.
“They both have been great community partners with QCH in ensuring that families and residents get vital services and exceptional care,” Omotoade said.
Omotoade said the electeds have also been tremendous backers of QCH’s efforts to renovate its Forest Hills Community Center, located at 108-25 62nd Dr. The non-profit plans to revamp the building and add accessibility upgrades, lounges, counseling rooms and areas for intergenerational activities.
Stavisky has represented Senate District 16 since 1999, which covers a narrow stretch of central Queens including parts of the neighborhoods of Flushing, Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Murray Hill, Bayside and Woodside. Hevesi represents Assembly District 28, which covers Forest Hills, Middle Village, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, and Glendale. He has held his seat since 2005.
The annual event, which was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, is expected to attract around 50 people, Omotoade said.
The reception will take place outdoors on the main stage at the stadium “providing breathtaking views of the iconic location,” Omotoade said. The event has previously been held at the tennis club.
The benefit will feature a cocktail reception and food while two child members of Musica Reginae, a local music group, will play the cello throughout the evening. There will also be an auction and several raffles with all proceeds from the night going to support the organization’s programming, Omotoade said.
Attendees will also get a chance to tour inside the stadium, he said.
“The event is a simple call to action to encourage our neighbors to come out again and socialize in a safe environment,” Omotoade said.
Tickets are priced at $100 each and can be purchased by clicking here.
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