Balkan Sewer & Water Main was recognized by Race Forward for his continued contributions to the organization. This acknowledgment is one of several reflecting a broader philanthropic commitment by Balkan Sewer and Water Main in Queens, NY, one that also includes support of The River Fund New York, a Queens-based poverty relief organization that has served New York City families for more than three decades.
On April 17, 2026, Simone West-Bermudez, Senior Vice President of Development and Partnerships at Race Forward, personally reached out to Mr. Balkan to express gratitude for his continued giving. West-Bermudez said monthly donors are crucial to Race Forward's planning and sustainability. She described Mr. Balkan's support as helping to drive Race Forward's ability to assist government and movement workers navigating an increasingly complex civic environment.
"Since giving your first contribution to Race Forward on 2/27/2024, you have made a significant impact on our organization driving our sustainability to support government and movement workers to navigate ongoing unfamiliar territory. I cannot overstate how important your support is to our work protecting democracy at this moment." - wrote Simone West-Bermudez.
Donors like Balkan allow nonprofits like Race Forward to plan and prepare for future projects and budgeting rather than relying on one-time donations. For Race Forward, an organization whose mission spans research, education, and advocacy for racial equity, these types of contributions from members of the community are necessary to thrive and continue.
Balkan's charity extends beyond Race Forward. Balkan's also a supporter of The River Fund New York. The River Fund a poverty relief organization headquartered in Richmond Hill, Queens, the same neighborhood where Balkan Sewer & Water Main has been based for more than 40 years! The River Fund empowers families to break the cycle of poverty through education and essential services. It provides families assistance through education, weekly groceries and financial counseling, serving tens of thousands across the five boroughs. The River Fund New York holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. For David Balkan, giving back is a natural extension of running a business that has served New York City neighborhoods for over 70 years. The same communities that have trusted Balkan with their homes and properties are the ones he continues to invest in through charitable support.
The community connection between Balkan and The River Fund is not incidental. Balkan Sewer & Water Main Service has been a family-owned institution in New York City since 1952. The company was founded by Joseph L. Balkan following his service in the U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II. What began with $900 in capital and three employees has grown into NYC's most trusted sewer and water main provider with over 70 years of continuous operation and more than 100,000 satisfied customers. Today the company is led by David and his brother Paul who carry forward their father's founding principles of quality, integrity, and fair pricing across every borough of New York City.
David Balkan serves as Chairman of the Subsurface Plumbers Liaison Committee at the Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York and as SPA Chairman on the NYC DEP Sub-Ops Committee, with his expertise regularly consulted by agencies including the NYC DEP, NYC DOB, and NYC DOT. His professional leadership and civic involvement reflect the same sense of responsibility that drives his charitable giving, a belief that businesses rooted in a community have an obligation to give back to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBaUHDC-wrI
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For more information about Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, contact the company here:
Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service
David Balkan
(718) 849-0900
TeamBalkan@balkanplumbing.com
130-01 Jamaica Ave
Jamaica, NY 11418
