NEW YORK, NY – On October 30, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) honored Western Queens Community partners, volunteers, and restaurants with Congressional Certificates at the Variety Boys and Girls Club in Astoria for their community service throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, Queens was the national hotspot with families, hospitals, and small businesses deeply impacted,” said Rep. Maloney. “Throughout the pain and suffering, Western Queens residents, small businesses, and organizations came together and partnered with Jonathan Forgash of Queens Together to do what New Yorkers do best in times of need; organizing their efforts, community contacts, and resources to ensure that our neighbors had enough food on the table, supplies in their cupboard, and that they had access to critical services. After a year and a half of pain and suffering, I am proud to honor the organizations, individuals, and small businesses who stepped up to care for our community.”

“Queens Together is honored that Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is shining a bright light on some of the hard-working restaurants, volunteers and organizations that worked with us during COVID to feed people facing food and economic insecurity. To date our restaurant and food pantry networks have helped feed over 200,000 people since the start of COVID in NYC,” said Jonathan Forgash, Queens Together.

Find the full list of honorees below:

Community Partners

Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens

Astoria Welfare Society

Lashawn “Suga Ray” Marston

North Brooklyn Angels

Volunteers

Phyllis Sharp

Kate Connors

Megan Green

Restaurants

Bund on Broadway

Ornella Trattoria Italiana

Sac’s Place

Nneji

Bel Aire Diner

Il Bambino

Boishakhi

Dinos Pizzeria

Zenon Taverna

Fresh Start Organic

Rice X Beans

M. Wells