Charity Gala & Fundraising Event Restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens
Host your non-profit fundraiser or community gala in style in Forest Hills.
A Forest Hills Tradition for Charity Galas & Fundraisers
Portofino Ristorante on Ascan Avenue has hosted Queens charity galas and fundraising events for over fifty years, offering organizations an elegant Italian setting to gather supporters for a worthy cause, a neighborhood Italian landmark on Ascan Avenue where authentic cuisine and warm hospitality have welcomed celebrating families for generations.
A charity gala or fundraising event at Portofino is an evening of multi-course dining, premium bar service, and dedicated event coordination that brings supporters together for a worthy cause. Our dining room, with its Italian coastal murals and warm mirrored glow, sets an elegant stage for presentations, auctions, and the generosity of a community gathered. Our staff attends with care so the organizers and their guests can focus on the mission.
Presentations, Auctions & Toasts
Charity galas at Portofino often feature presentations, live or silent auctions, and toasts to the cause. Our staff can help coordinate the pacing of presentations and auction activities throughout the evening.
Premium Bar & Dedicated Coordination
Our premium bar service and dedicated event coordination ensure your gala runs smoothly, from the welcome reception to the final toast. Work with our coordinator to design a custom gala menu and bar package.
An Elegant Queens Venue for Your Charity Gala
Our Forest Hills dining room accommodates charity galas and fundraising events from intimate gatherings of forty to larger celebrations of one hundred. The banquet area, with its warm lighting and Italian charm, transforms beautifully for gala decor and a presentation stage.
Located on Ascan Avenue in the heart of Forest Hills, Portofino is convenient for supporters and guests traveling from across Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan. The Forest Hills transit hub is steps away, and parking is available nearby for your charity gala.
Custom Gala Menus & Bar Packages
Choose from our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus for predictable per-person pricing, or work with our coordinator to design a custom gala menu. Add premium bar service, a Prosecco toast, and a dessert presentation for your supporters.
What Your Charity Gala Includes
Every charity gala at Portofino is tailored to the organization, but most events include the following elements that have defined our Forest Hills hospitality for half a century.
Welcome Reception & Antipasti
Begin with a welcome reception and elegant antipasti spread as supporters arrive, perfect for mingling and informal conversation before the seated dinner begins.
Multi-Course Dinner
A fresh handmade pasta course, salad, and main courses follow, paced to allow presentations, auctions, and toasts to flow naturally throughout the evening.
Dessert Presentation & Toast
Finish with our roaming dessert tray presentation and a Prosecco toast to the cause, presented with care to honor the generosity of your supporters.
Plan Your Charity Gala at Portofino
Booking your charity gala or fundraising event at Portofino Ristorante begins with a conversation. Tell us about your event and our coordinator will craft a personalized Italian experience tailored to your celebration, your guests, and your budget. For immediate assistance, call us directly at (718) 261-1239.
Whether you are gathering forty supporters or one hundred guests, our event coordinator will craft an elegant Italian experience tailored to your cause and your organization. We look forward to supporting your mission the Italian way, right here in Forest Hills.
Request a Quote for Your Charity & Gala Event
Tell us about your event and our coordinator will craft a personalized Italian experience tailored to your celebration, your guests, and your budget.
Charity & Gala Events at Portofino — Your Questions Answered
How many guests can Portofino accommodate for a charity gala?
Our Forest Hills dining room seats charity galas and fundraising events from intimate gatherings of forty to larger celebrations of one hundred. Full-room reservations are available for bigger galas. Contact our coordinator to discuss your guest count.
Can we arrange presentations and auctions for our gala?
Yes. Charity galas at Portofino often feature presentations, live or silent auctions, and toasts. Our staff can help coordinate the pacing of presentations and auction activities throughout the evening.
Do you offer premium bar service for galas?
Yes. We offer premium bar service and curated Italian wine selections for charity galas. Our daily happy hour from 5 to 7 PM also offers 50% off wine and beer for early-arriving supporters.
Are there set banquet packages with per-person pricing?
Yes. Our Package 1 and Package 2 multi-course banquet menus offer set per-person pricing with antipasti, fresh pasta, salad, main course, and dessert. Custom gala menus are also available.
Is Portofino convenient for out-of-town gala guests?
Portofino is located on Ascan Avenue in Forest Hills, steps from the Forest Hills transit hub, with parking available nearby. Supporters and guests traveling from across Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan find us easy to reach.
Can we reserve the whole dining room for a gala?
Yes. Full-room reservations are available for larger charity galas, allowing you to transform the space with gala decor and a presentation stage. Book early to secure your preferred date.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for gala guests?
We happily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests, including gluten-free pasta. Inform our coordinator of any allergies or dietary needs in advance and we will tailor the menu accordingly.
Do you host galas for non-profits and community organizations?
Yes. We host charity galas and fundraising events for non-profits, community organizations, and charitable causes of all kinds. Our team understands the unique needs of fundraising events.
Can we arrange a Prosecco toast to the cause?
Yes. We can arrange a complimentary or custom Prosecco toast to the cause, along with curated Italian wine pairings for your supporters.
How far in advance should I book a charity gala?
For charity galas, we recommend booking as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks in advance, to secure your preferred date and full-room reservation, especially for weekend events.