Three Honored At Queens Theatre In The Park Gala

(L. to r.): Queens Theatre in the Park Executive Director Jeffrey Rosenstock, News 4 New York Reporter Monica Morales, honorees Rohan P. DeFreitas, founder and owner of Crescent Consulting, Sam Chang, founder and CEO, McSam Hotel Group, Myungsuk Lee, Korean American Chamber of Commerce in Greater New York president, Gala Chairman Mark Misk and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. On Tuesday, May 20 the Queens Theatre in The Park (QTIP) held its annual Gala to help support a continuation of the cultural and artistic performances and educational programs that will be offered at the newly renovated QTIP performing arts center.

Gala Chairman Mark Misk thanked everyone who attended for their continued support and concluded, "I am pleased to introduce this evening's emcee, the beautiful Monica Morales, reporter for News 4 New York."

Morales came to the podium to a round of applause. "I love Queens and I love theatre," Morales, who introduced this years' honorees: Sam Chang, CEO/President of McSam Hotel Group; Rohan P. DeFreitas founding member of Crescent Consulting and Myungsuk Lee, president of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Greater New York, and presented each of them with an etched glass plaque, declared.

News 4 New York Reporter Monica Morales, Queens Theatre in the Park Executive Director Jeffrey Rosenstock and Rosenstock's wife and daughter. Chang is the founder and owner of McSam Hotel Group, LLC, MikeSam Construction Corp. and Tritel Construction LLC. He has dedicated more than 20 years to the hotel industry, beginning as a teenager assisting his parents in helping run a family-owned motel. Many of his projects earned recognition. He was named 2004 "Developer of the Year" for his development of a new 195-room Hilton Garden Inn at JFK Airport and 2006 "Developer of the Year" by Inter-Continental Hotels Group.

Rohan P. DeFreitas founded Crescent Consulting in 2001 with his partner, Luis Segarra. Crescent provides programs that are specifically designed to comply with various federal, state, city and private sector affirmative action, equal employment opportunity and diversity rules and regulations associated with the construction industry.

The Bacon Brothers Band, starring Kevin and Michael Bacon, provided entertainment for the Queens Theatre in the Park Gala. The Korean American Chamber of Commerce in Greater New York was the third honoree. Lee accepted on behalf of the organization. The chamber's mission is to support locally based Korean businesses with practical information and promote friendly relations among its members. The chamber welcomes relationships with American corporations, associations, partnerships and individuals who are interested in promoting their businesses and trade links with Korean businesses in New York and companies in Korea.

Queens Theatre in the Park Executive Director Jeffrey Rosenstock announced that the capitol project to raise $2,000,000 has reached the halfway mark. He thanked City Councilmember John Liu for his support.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall opened her remarks by pointing out the new outstanding atrium entrance. "It is absolutely gorgeous," said Marshall. "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this outstanding stage that Jeff and the Board [of Directors] have created for the residents of Queens. Through the Queens Theatre we can share the enjoyment and the excitement of each other's cultures through the magic of live performances." Marshall credited her predecessor, Claire Shulman, with providing original support to the Queens Theatre in the Park. "Right now we are sitting in the Claire Shulman Theatre," she said and asked Shulman to stand. Shulman was greeted with the largest applause of the evening.

Marshall concluded by offering thanks to some of the sponsors, including McSam Group, Con Edison, C & L Contracting Group and all the Associate Producers and Donors of this special evening.

Some 450 Queens Theatre in the Park patrons who paid $400 a person to attend the Gala were treated to a hot and cold buffet, entertainment by the Bacon Brothers Band, starring Kevin and Michael Bacon, and a dessert buffet. A silent auction and raffle were held with all prizes donated by Queens Theatre in the Park supporters.

The facility's new Starlight Café was open for business, offering a full dinner and dessert menu with continuous piano music. "The café will be open for preshow dinner and after-show desserts," Sam Rossi, Queens Theatre in The Park Director of Public Relations said.

For more information about upcoming performances and programs at Queens Theatre in the Park, visit www.queenstheatre.org or call the QTIP box office at 718-760-0064.