Astoria/LIC Kiwanis Kicks Off QSAC Dinner-Dance

(L. to r.): Astoria/LIC Kiwanis Club President Paul Vallone, Paul Halvatzis, QSAC Director of Development Daniéle Favre-Panayotatos and Tony Siano, event co-chair. On March 3, the Astoria /LIC Kiwanis Club donated $1,000 to Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC) as a kickoff gift for the QSAC 2009 Dinner Dance, set for May 15 at Astoria World Manor. To be held under the auspices of H.E. the Ambassador of Greece Alexandros Mallias and co-chaired by William Dionisio (Astoria Fuel), Al Gentile (Astoria Federal Savings), Evan Metalios, Esq. (Re/Max Team) and Tony Siano (Quinn Funeral Home), the event will honor local business owners Paul and Anita Halvatzis for their continuing advocacy for the autism community.

Paul Halvatzis has been a board member of the Astoria Civic Association for more than 20 years, a member and past president of the Astoria/Long Island Kiwanis Club for 25 years, and is a board member of the 30th Avenue Merchants Association. As one of the very first successful women business owners in Queens, Anita Halvatzis has been an inspiration to many and has shared her knowledge and offered her guidance to family, neighbors, colleagues and peers. Together, the mother and son have played a critical role in expanding autism awareness and QSAC's visibility. Their generosity, compassion, and endless and selfless efforts have made a real difference in the lives of many children and families in the community.

"As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Paul's expertise is invaluable as QSAC develops and implements programs to suit the needs of the autism population," Gary A. Maffei, QSAC executive director, said. "He brings a unique understanding of all issues related to caring for an individual with autism. He and his mother, Anita, have been a driving force of QSAC's mission for the past 10 years, since Paul first joined the board. We are delighted to bestow the 2009 QSAC Humanitarian Awards on these two extraordinary individuals."

QSAC is one of the largest agencies dedicated specifically to autism and provides comprehensive services and programs to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families in New York City and Long Island. QSAC has received the Mental Hygiene Services Award for Excellence from New York City and recognition from the Queens Borough President and the Town of Hempstead for contributions to individuals with autism and their families. More than 2,000 people benefit yearly from QSAC programs, including 880 individuals who receive direct services. Many of QSAC's participants represent challenging cases referred to QSAC by the Board of Education and the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. For more information, visitwww.qsac.com.