October 22 @ 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Join us for our signature Annual Benefit & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. This unforgettable night, held at the beautiful Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, commemorates 31 years of SHAREing & CAREing’s service to the Queens community.
The staff and volunteers of SHAREing & CAREing are deeply grateful for the energy, devotion and continuing support we receive from our community for our cancer support services. Proceeds will go to support SHAREing & CAREing cancer support programs in the Queens and greater New York City area.
This year we have the honor of acknowledging an incredible group of award recipients, all who have made a difference in our community.

Leonard T. D’Amico, inspired by his father and namesake, is proud to celebrate more than 41 years in business. A lifelong learner with a passion for technical sciences, Len began his career in the 1970s as a field engineer at Eastman Kodak, specializing in optical laser systems and microcomputers. While working full time, he earned his AS in Business Administration from Queensborough Community College and later his BS in Finance from St. John’s University—all while studying real estate on weekends. From 1982 to 2004, Len built a reputation as a hardworking, innovative, and resilient leader in a highly competitive field. His achievements led to the co-founding of The D & F Development Group, LLC in 2004, where he continues to serve as Co-CEO. In this role, Len oversees senior management and drives strategic corporate and financial planning. Under his leadership, D & F has developed projects exceeding $800 million, manages more than 1,600 residential units, and employs over 300 professionals throughout the New York City region. Len has consistently championed projects with a social mission, particularly affordable senior housing. In 2006, D & F developed Locust Manor Estates, a 4.5-acre community of affordable rentals and family homes in NYC. By 2009, the company became a national leader in creative housing finance, completing one of the first projects in the U.S. to combine HUD 202 grants with federal tax credits to develop affordable senior housing. In 2013, D & F expanded into the assisted living sector with its Carlisle Communities brand. The first project, Village Walk in Patchogue, opened in 2018. Soon after, Len spearheaded the transformation of a historic 1950s Levittown bowling alley into Village Green, a 70,000 sq. ft., 110-bed assisted living facility. Beyond business, Len has been deeply engaged in civic, political, and charitable endeavors. He has served on multiple Queens Borough President’s task forces, including those addressing Fresh Kills Closure and illegal conversions and has served as a trustee of the Queens Borough Public Library. He currently serves on the boards of Queens Centers for Progress and the Queens Economic Development Corporation. Today, Len resides in Nassau and Florida with his wife, Wendy, his partner in life and business for more than 40 years. He is the proud father of two daughters, Amanda and Lauren, and honors the legacy of his mother, Gloria D’Amico, the first woman to serve as Clerk of Queens County, NYC.

Tom Grech was appointed Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce in July 2015 and, on November 1, 2017, he assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. In this capacity, Tom has been a driving force in promoting economic development, supporting local businesses, and advocating for the diverse communities of Queens. Before joining the Chamber, Tom built a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years in the printing, publishing, and manufacturing industries, holding leadership positions at RR Donnelley & Sons Company, Merrill Corporation, and SONY DADC. Beyond his professional achievements, Tom is deeply committed to civic and community engagement. He serves on numerous boards and committees, reflecting his dedication to both economic growth and community well-being. His roles include Board Member of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, Chair of the Laudato Si’ Corporation, and Board Member of the York College Foundation. He has also served as Co-Chair of the LaGuardia Air Train committee and is actively involved in major infrastructure and redevelopment initiatives through his work with the Sunnyside Yards Steering Committee, Willets Point Redevelopment Steering Committee, and the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council. Additionally, Tom has contributed to the Amazon Community Advisory Committee and holds board positions with the King Manor Museum, Cathedral Prep Seminary, the Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the NYC Police Athletic League. His leadership extends to statewide and regional economic development efforts as a member of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council and the NY State of Health Marketplace Advisory Committee. He also serves as Acting Chair of the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency/Local Development Corporation, is a Board Member of the Business Incubator Association of New York State, and supports green spaces and community projects as a Board Member of the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Originally from Astoria, Queens, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and later completed his MBA in International Business at Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. He currently resides in Malverne, NY with his wife and two children.

Michael Torres is the Executive Vice President of Parkchester Preservation Management, where he oversees two condominiums totaling 171 buildings and 12,271 units, as well as a rental portfolio of over 6,300 residential units, and the broader Parkchester community—home to more than 60,000 residents. In this role, he manages one of the largest and most dynamic residential communities in New York City, ensuring its continued growth, stability, and quality of life. He earned his Master of Science in Real Estate Investment and Finance from New York University in 2007 and began his career in property management in 2008. With a passion for leadership and advancing the profession, he became involved with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®) in 2014, earning the prestigious Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation. Since then, he has remained deeply committed to IREM’s mission of providing property managers with opportunities to invest in themselves through education, professional development, and industry engagement. In 2021 and 2022 Michael served as President of IREM’s New York City chapter and is currently their Vice President of Chapter Activities. He is also Regional Vice President of IREM’s national organization. In these leadership roles, he works to expand programs, create networking opportunities, and champion initiatives that elevate property management professionals across the country. In addition to his professional contributions, Michael has been a strong advocate for giving back to the community. He founded IREM NYC’s Annual Clay Shoot, a signature event that honors and supports Sharing & Caring, raising nearly $110,000 over the past five years for breast cancer support and advocacy. His dedication to combining professional leadership with meaningful philanthropy reflects both his commitment to the industry and his compassion for the community.

A four time cancer survivor, David has battled and recovered from testicular cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer and skin cancer. He is a true survivor! A Queens native, David attended Francis Lewis High School followed by Ithaca College and Washington University. He holds a BS and MBA in Marketing. While at Ithaca he met his future bride, Lesley McDonald, marrying her in 1982. David and Lesley’s daughter Kristin followed in her parents footsteps by also attending Ithaca College. She presently lives in Juneau Alaska where she is a marine mammal naturalist and an expert in whales David has been an active real estate broker in the metropolitan New York area for over 38 years. He started his career with Coldwell Banker and became Vice President and Managing Broker of the Long Island office of Julien J. Studley, Inc. in 1987. From 1990 to 1996, he was an Owner of Wilrock Long Island, Inc. and presently is the Managing Broker of two Brown Harris Stevens’ offices. David has successfully leased or sold over 3,000,000 Square feet of Medical, Commercial and Hotel Real Estate as an Exclusive Agent.
Valet parking available at this beautiful waterfront venue.

Download the 2025 Benefit Invitation & RSVP card to respond via mail or purchase tickets and sponsorships online below. The last date to purchase tickets for our 31st Annual Benefit & Silent Auction is Friday, October 17th at 5pm!
Sorry. This form is no longer available.