Quantcast

Opening party for new Sky View Applebee’s to benefit Flushing Y

By Connor Adams Sheets

Flushing’s food lovers will soon have another option to sate their hunger since Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar is coming to town.

The popular chain restaurant will have a grand opening celebration Saturday at Sky View Center at 40-22 College Point Blvd.

The event, which will be hosted in conjunction with the Flushing YMCA, will fete the new eatery while at the same time raising money toward the annual Strong Kids campaign.

The campaign is an effort to allow children and families of low means to use YMCA facilities at free or reduced rates. Each year, the Flushing YMCA provides more than $100,000 in financial assistance to needy local youths and families. The Flushing YMCA hopes to raise $175,000 in funds for the program.

“They were looking for a community organization to partner with and they liked us so much that they wanted to partner with us because we do so much for the community and because they thought we’d be a good fit for the opening,” said Lizzie Martell, membership and marketing coordinator for the Flushing YMCA. “We have a strong commitment to our community, especially in this time of financial difficulty, that we don’t turn anyone away. We offer financial assistance so that children and families can come to the Y.”

Applebee’s partners with a community organization whenever it opens a new location. The Sky View location will feature photos collected from local community groups, including the YMCA, in order to reflect a connection with the community, Martell said.

All proceeds raised at the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. and offers an all-you-can-eat buffet, will go to the campaign. Entrance will cost $10 per attendee and the party is open to the public.

Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.