Onorato To Be Honored By Variety Boys & Girls Club

Onorato provided much of the funding that enabled the club to accommodate females; he has been a strong supporter of the facility since its founding in 1955.

A special awards ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. on February 22 at the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club to honor state Senator George Onorato for his commitment to the club and to the children of Queens.

Jennifer Bruno, the first girl to join what was then the Boys Club has been invited to this event. In 1982 Bruno, now a New York City police officer, picketed the club with a sign saying "What About The Girls?" With Onorato's help she made the Boys Club into the Boys and Girls Club. Onorato provided much of the funding that enabled the club to accommodate females; he has been a strong supporter of the facility since its founding in 1955.

McDonald's will also be thanked for their donation to update the club's kitchen, allowing nutrition and cooking classes to be held at the club.

After the ceremonies honoring Onorato, the club will host the second event of Week 5 of the preliminary bouts of the 80th annual Daily News Golden Gloves. Twelve bouts of three rounds each are planned for the evening. Members of the club will sing the National Anthem and will introduce each bout. Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale at the club at 718-728-0946.

The Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens offers afterschool programs for children ages six to 17, Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a donation of only $12 a year. The club features a junior Olympic-size swimming pool and a gymnasium. Club professionals provide homework assistance, computer training, dance and drama, musical tutoring, game tournaments and arts and crafts to more than 200 children daily. For more information about the club or to volunteer, contact: Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, Inc. 21-12 30th Rd., Long Island City, New York 11102, 718-728-0946 or visit www.vbgcq.org.