Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) will mark a delicious milestone this winter when its signature tasting fundraiser, “Evening of Fine Food,” returns for its 30th year on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Terrace on the Park in Corona. The anniversary celebration will bring together hundreds of business, civic, and community leaders to sample the best of Queens cuisine while raising vital funds for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Founded in 1996, Evening of Fine Food has grown into one of Queens’ premier networking and culinary events, reflecting the borough’s extraordinary diversity and generosity. This year’s gathering is expected to draw more than 700 guests to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park to enjoy offerings from leading restaurants and beverage purveyors from neighborhoods across the borough. Proceeds support QCP’s person-centered programs, which help more than 1,200 people with developmental disabilities live with greater independence, dignity, and opportunity.
“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.”
Each year, Evening of Fine Food shines a spotlight on leaders who embody Queens’ spirit of service and collaboration. For the 30th anniversary, QCP will honor three “Chefs of the Year”: Patricia Ornst, Director of New York State and Local Government Affairs at Delta Air Lines, Richard S. David, Director, Queens Corporate Affairs, Con Edison, and Ben Guttmann, Executive Director, Queens Economic Development Corporation. The honorees are being recognized for their longstanding commitment to Queens communities and to organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
In a playful twist on their titles, the “Chefs of the Year” will also don aprons for the evening and share a family specialty with guests. The hands-on element reinforces the event’s theme of connection, as honorees quite literally serve the community they support throughout the year.
QCP will also present the Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award to Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern, one of New York City’s oldest bars and a neighborhood mainstay. Gordon is being honored for his leadership, community advocacy, and commitment to preserving local history while creating a welcoming space for neighbors to gather.
Among the sponsors already confirmed is Diamond Sponsor Veronica Tsang, a former Chef of the Year (2013), who has continued to champion QCP’s mission. Tsang has encouraged others to give generously, noting that every contribution, large or small, helps QCP sustain programs that thousands of Queens families rely on.
The 30th Annual Evening of Fine Food will take place at Terrace on the Park in Corona, with a sponsor VIP reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by general admission from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person, and guests will enjoy tastings, drinks, and networking with business and community leaders from across the borough.
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a contribution, visit QCP’s website at
www.queenscp.org or contact QCP Director of Development Wendy Gennaro at (718) 380-3000, ext. 325, or WPhaffGennaro@queenscp.org.
