Queens Library Foundation Honors Braca
BY DAN MILLER

Photos Dan Miller/DMD Images Commerce Bank Senior Vice President Peter Meyer (second from r.) accepted the award presented to Commerce Bank New York Market President Gregory B. Braca in Braca's absence. Meyer posed with the award with (l. to r.) Borough President Helen Marshall, Queens Library Foundation Executive Director Diana Chapin and Queens Library Director Thomas Galante.

The Queens Library Foundation hosted its seventh annual dinner, The Crystal Ball...A Magical Event, on Monday, October 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the Water's Edge Restaurant on the East River at 44th Drive, Long Island City. With views of the East River and Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, hundreds of supporters came to celebrate the accomplishments of the Queens Borough Public Library and to honor Commerce Bank New York Market President Gregory B. Braca. Commerce Bank's New York City market includes Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Braca is responsible for implementing a comprehensive commercial and middle market strategy that complements the growth of Commerce Bank's metropolitan New York branch network. His efforts support Commerce Bank's lending model, which ensures that local bankers are making local lending decisions. In addition to managing retail banking, Braca also has responsibility for private banking, middle market, small business services and specialty lending, including healthcare and not-forprofit operations. Commerce has 55 retail banks throughout the five boroughs.

Commerce Bank Senior Vice President Peter Meyer accepted the award for Braca from Thomas W. Galante, Queens Library Director. Joining the two for the ceremony were Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Diana Chapin, Queens Library Foundation executive director. Galante expressed his appreciation for Marshall's magnificent $45 million financial support of the Queens Library.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by Magical Nights Inc. with magician Michael Chaut stealing the show as well as the wristwatch belonging to April Dubison of KeySpan. Proceeds from the event will support the Futures Fund, an endowment ensuring availability of library materials, recreational, educational and cultural resources and programs for the children of Queens.

The Queens Library Foundation raises funds to augment the programs and services of the Queens Borough Public Library, the highest circulating library in the United States. The Futures Fund is an endowment that benefits children's library services. For more information on supporting the Queens Library Foundation, visit www.queenslibraryfoundation.org.