C RY D E R
P O I N T
JANUARY 12
Congratulations to Concierge
Diego Molina!
BY JILL DAVIS
What better way to ring in the New Year than to
share some fantastic news, especially about one of our
most popular staff members? Although everyone in the
41 Building knows Diego Molina, some others in our
community may not know that he’s been working here
at Cryder Point for the past 24 years and is the daytime
concierge in the 41 Building (some may also not know
that his real first name is Juan!).
Diego and his wife, Maria, have been volunteers with
the New York chapter of Habitat for Humanity for the
past four years, having gotten involved with the organization
through their church. Habitat’s mission is to provide
affordable housing; as its website says: “Our vision is a
city—and a world—where everyone has a decent place
to live.”
Coincidentally, Diego and Maria had been living in a
rent-stabilized studio apartment in Bayside for over 25
years. What with real estate prices going through the roof,
Diego was convinced there was no way they could ever
afford to buy anywhere or even rent a bigger place.
Well, about a year ago, someone very smart suggested
that he apply for one of the new homes Habitat would be
awarding soon to someone very lucky. Diego and Maria
gave it a shot and were selected out of a total 2,000 (!)
applicants to take ownership of a totally renovated home
here in Queens.
“We don’t know why we were chosen,” Diego said,
shaking his head. “We won the lottery!” The house is all
brand new, he explained. “It’s all new everything. Appliances,
boiler, windows, walls, floors…everything, from
the top of roof to the bottom of the basement.”
Diego was asked by Habitat New York to speak at its
35th anniversary House Party, which was held in Manhattan
on October 29. He admitted he was pretty nervous
about making the speech (“I practiced a lot in the
kitchen,” he said), but he reported that it turned out really
well. The party was a very successful benefit, raising more
than $900,000 for the worthy cause. The photos here will
give you an idea of how big an event it was.
Diego and Maria moved into their new house on October
1 and are all settled in, but he still can’t quite believe
his good fortune. “Two years ago I could never have
dreamed of this,” he said. We spoke right before he was
taking some time off from work, and when asked where
he was going, he said, “Nowhere. I’m taking a staycation!”
All of us at Cryder Point wish Diego and Maria many
years of health and happiness in their new home. Congratulations
12 CRYDER POINT COURIER | JANUARY 2020 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
to you both!
Maria and Diego pose for a photo op
Diego gives his speech
Yes, this was quite a gala!
l-r: Diego, Maria and Habitat NYC CEO Karen Haycox
/WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
