March 3, 2009 - Astoria, NY – The Astoria LIC Kiwanis Club donated $1,000 to QSAC as a kick-off gift to QSAC 2009 Dinner Dance on May 15 at Astoria World Manor. Held under the auspices of H.E. the Ambassador of Greece Alexandros Mallias and co-chaired by William Dionisio (Atomic Fuel Company), Al Gentile (Astoria Federal Savings), Evan Metalios, Esq. (Re/Max Team) and Tony Siano (Quinn Funeral Home), the event will honor local business owners, Paul Halvatzis and Anita Halvatzis for their relentless advocacy for the autism community.
Paul Halvatzis has been a board member of the Astoria Civic Association for over 20 years, a member and past president of the Astoria-Long Island Kiwanis Club for 25 years, and is a board member of The 30th Avenue Merchants Association. As one of the very first successful women business owners in Queens, Anita Halvatzis has been an inspiration to many and has shared her knowledge and offered her guidance to family, neighbors, colleagues and peers. Together, Paul and Anita have played a critical role in expanding autism awareness and QSAC’s visibility. Their generosity, compassion, and endless and selfless efforts have made a real difference in the lives of many children and families in our community.
“As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Paul’s expertise is invaluable as QSAC develops and implements programs to suit the needs of the autism population,” said Gary A. Maffei, executive director of QSAC. “He brings a unique understanding of all issues related to caring for an individual with autism. He and his mother Anita have been a driving force of QSAC’s mission for the past 10 years when Paul first joined the board. We are delighted to bestow the 2009 QSAC Humanitarian Awards to these two extraordinary individuals.”
QSAC is one of the largest agencies dedicated specifically to autism and provides comprehensive services and programs to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families in New York City and Long Island. QSAC has received the Mental Hygiene Services Award for Excellence from New York City and recognition from the Queens Borough President and the Town of Hempstead for contributions to individuals with autism and their families. Over 2,000 people benefit yearly from QSAC programs, including 880 individuals who receive direct services. Many of QSAC's participants represent challenging cases referred to QSAC by the Boards of Education and New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. www.qsac.com.
Pictured from left to right, Paul Vallone, President of the Astoria LIC Kiwanis Club, Paul Halvatzis, honoree, Danièle Favre-Panayotatos, QSAC Director of Development and Tony Siano, event co-chair.
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