Alley Pond to Throw Green Gala

Alley Pond Environmental Center will host the Green Gala, the site's largest annual fundraiser, on Tuesday to raise money for its 2011 programs.

The center's director hopes the gala, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Flushing's Terrace on the Park, will raise enough funds to allow for the center to expand the site's activities and programs.

Alley Pond, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston, will soon undergo a $7 million renovation.

"We really can't expand until we get through the capital project because we've maxed out our space," said Irene Scheid, director of the environmental center. "We have 11,000 school children on our waiting list each year. Once the capital project begins, we'll double the space and be able to do more events."

This year's honorees include JetBlue, which will receive an award from the center for being a "corporate friend of the environment," Scheid said.

Damon Hemmerdinger, an Atco Properties principal who developed Glendale's Shops at Atlas Park, will receive the center's "green living" award for utilizing green initiatives at his shopping center. Alley Pond Board President Rita Sherman will be given a leadership award.

The gala will include a silent auction, cocktail hour, dinner and dance. Those interested in attending must reserve a spot by Tuesday morning. Tickets for APEC members are $135, while general public tickets are $150.

"It's our major fundraiser for the year," Scheid said. "We've been doing the gala for a number of years, but we've expanded it and made it better."

The expansion project to upgrade the center will include the renovation of its existing building as well as adding up to 5,000 square feet of space. The site will include new modules and a covered walkway that will connect them to the building.

The project will be the most expansive upgrade of the center for several decades.

For more information on the Green Gala or Alley Pond's weekly events, visit its website.