Terrace On the Park Goes Green for Alley Pond Gala

Sheets of rain couldn't dampen spirits at Alley Pond Environmental Center's Green Gala at Flushing's Terrace on the Park.

The center's annual event was marked by elegance with magnificent view from the Penthouse room at the landmarked catering facility, located at 111th Street and 52nd Avenue in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

An estimated 150 people socialized, danced and sat through brief award speeches at the annual dinner dance on held Tuesday evening.

"It's a great success, much better than we anticipated," said APEC Executive Director Irene V. Scheid of the event.

Queens residents who care about the environment were given the opportunity to share their views – and a few green tips – with representatives of industry, high-ranking Parks Department and elected officials.

"APEC is one of the biggest things that make Queens a great place to live," said City Councilmember Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, who recalled exploring the parkland around the center when he was a Bayside Boy Scout.

State Assemblyman-elect Edward Braunstein, who grew up in Bayside, said he also had numerous childhood experiences at the environmental center.

The event provided fundraising for the center's educational center and nature preserve, located at 228-06 Northern Boulevard just east of the Cross Island Parkway in Douglaston. Scheid said there is currently a year-long waiting list for some city schoolchildren to visit Alley Pond and take part in its programs.

Despite a shaky economy, sponsors provided generously and attendees opened their wallets wide for the raffles and silent auction – which will help the non-profit center continue its mission, Scheid

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