Community Involvement

ST. MARY’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN ANNOUNCES HONOREES FOR ANNUAL BIG HEARTS WALK ON MAY 18TH

St. Mary’s will honor a local Queens business leader and a dedicated healthcare professional for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the organization

Hundreds to participate in the hospital’s annual walk-a-thon to raise funds for New York’s most critically ill and injured children

BAYSIDE, NY – On Sunday, May 18th hundreds of community volunteers will participate in St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s annual Big Hearts Walk, a charity walk-a-thon to support New York’s most critically ill and injured children. This year’s event will honor Kirstin Callahan Austin, Vice President of Helms Auto Group, and Claire Mahon, Lead Therapeutic Activities Assistant at St. Mary’s.

Kirstin Callahan Austin is the driving force behind Helms Auto Group, where she serves as Vice President of the family-owned business that includes Helms Brothers Mercedes-Benz, Bayside Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars of Queens. Deeply rooted in the local community, Kirstin carries on the legacy of her father, Douglas Callahan, a founding member of the Bayside Business Association, where she remains actively involved. She also serves on the Board of the Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) and has led local initiatives, such as teaming up with Senator John Liu for a winter coat drive benefiting PS20Q families in 2024. Through her leadership, Helms Brothers has donated more than $125,000 to support St. Mary’s since 1990, including sponsoring the 2024 and 2025 Big Hearts Walk.

Claire Mahon began her journey at St. Mary's as a student intern at the Inpatient Recreation program in 2014. She has been a vital part of the St. Mary's community for over a decade and currently serves as the Lead Therapeutic Activities Assistant. Throughout her career at St. Mary’s, Claire has consistently provided patients with impactful experiences, from her early work in the Medical Day Healthcare Program to her current leadership role.

"Kirstin and Claire embody the heart and spirit of the St. Mary’s community—Kirstin through her decades of unwavering philanthropic support, and Claire through her hands-on dedication to our patients,” said Dr. Edwin Simpser, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. “We are honored to celebrate their contributions as this year’s Big Hearts Walk honorees, and we invite the entire community to join us in walking to support our incredible patients..”

The Big Hearts Walk for St. Mary’s Kids will take place at Crocheron Park in Bayside on Sunday, May 18th, at 10:00 a.m. A variety of family-friendly activities will follow the walk, including music, carnival games, arts and crafts, and more.

Adults can register on-site for $25 and children for $5. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. Participants can also register online beforehand at stmaryskids.org/walk2025.

About St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children: St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children has been the primary provider of long-term and rehabilitative care for New York’s most critically ill and injured children since the 1870s. St. Mary’s Healthcare System is one of only a handful of organizations around the country that is dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation, specialized care, and education to children with special needs and life-limiting conditions.

Alley Pond Environmental Center Holds Ribbon-Cutting Event

The Helms Group is proud to celebrate the recognition of Kirstin Callahan Austin, Vice President of Helms Auto Group, as an honoree at the Alley Pond Environmental Center’s (APEC) Green Gala. This prestigious honor highlights Kirstin’s dedication to environmental education and community enrichment — values that are at the heart of our organization. The Green Gala also marked the unveiling of APEC’s new LEED-certified community resource and education center. Elected officials, community leaders, environmental advocates, educators, and supporters gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement. During the event, APEC expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Bros. Inc. and other generous donors whose contributions made the launch of the new facility possible. We extend our sincere congratulations to the Alley Pond Environmental Center on the opening of this remarkable new building. We are honored to support initiatives that foster environmental stewardship, education, and a stronger community for future generations. Read More Here

APEC's 2023 Green Gala Proudly Sponsored by Helms Group

The Helms Group proudly sponsored the Alley Pond Environmental Center's 2023 Green Gala. Alley Pond is a nonprofit organization in Queens dedicated to educating the community on environmental issues and preserving natural spaces in the New York metropolitan area. With the completion of its new facility on the horizon, the center celebrated its progress and supporters at the annual Green Gala on April 26th, 2023, at Terrace on the Park. As a sponsor, the Helms Group proudly contributed to the success of this event and gladly continues to support the center's continued efforts to provide environmental education to over 72,000 individuals each year.