QSAC Honors Paul And Anita Halvatzis

Peter Vallone Sr. (c.) is joined by son Paul Vallone (far r.) and Gary F. Maffei (far l.) in honoring Paul Halvatzis and his mother, Anita Halvatzis, at the annual QSAC Dinner Dance at Astoria World Manor. On Friday evening May 15, more than 300 guests attended the QSAC Annual Dinner Dance at Astoria World Manor to honor Paul Halvatzis and his mother, Anita Halvatzis, and to raise needed funds to provide programs and services for those diagnosed with autism. Paul Vallone, an attorney with the firm of Vallone and Vallone, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. Former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. and his son, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., were joined by city Comptroller William Thompson in congratulating the honorees.

Paul and Anita Halvatzis were selected as this year's honorees for their tireless efforts on behalf of those who suffer with autism. Paul Halvatzis' son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and has been receiving services provided by QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community).

City Comptroller William Thompson (second from r.) congratulates Paul Halvatzis (far r.) as (from l.) City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., Paul Vallone Esq., QSAC Executive Director and CEO Gary F. Maffei and QSAC President Yvette Watts look on. QSAC President Yvette Watts and Gary F. Maffei, QSAC executive director and CEO, joined in citing Paul and Anita Halvatzis as "two incredible individuals who have done so much for the entire autism community".

The honorees were dual recipients of the annual QSAC Humanitarian Award. State Senator George Onorato presented Anita Halvatzis with her award and Paul Halvatzis was recognized by Tony Siano, Will Dionisio, Evan Metalios and Al Gentile.

As a parent of a child with autism, Paul Halvatzis indicated that he understands the importance of providing services for those with the condition, for which there is no known cure to date. Halvatzis has served as a QSAC board member for more than 10 years and has been recognized as a driving force behind many of the organization's programs. He has also served as a member of the Astoria Civic Association for more than 20 years and as past president and member for more than 25 years of the Astoria-Long Island City Kiwanis Club. Halvatzis has also been a member of the 30th Avenue Merchants Association.

Halvatzis credited his mother, Anita, for his drive to become extensively involved with his community. Paul and Anita Halvatzis together have been relentless advocates for the autism community.

The QSAC Dinner Dance Committee included Scott Bloom, Lenny Koven, Lisa M. Gaffney, Juan Esteban Garcia, Michael A. Serao, Alyson Swerdloff, Joanna Tong and Phillip Woolard. A silent auction helped raise additional funds to support the programs sponsored by QSAC. Linda Perno served as Auction Chair.

Business partners included Amorelli Realty, Astoria Federal Savings, Atkinson, Koven, Feinberg, LLP, Atomic Fuel Oil Company, Emblem Health, Four Brothers General Contracting & Development, Inc., Morgan Construction Enterprises, Teddy's Development Corp. and World's Fair Pharmacy.

Photos Dan Miller/DMD Images