5.1.2025
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.
