Brooklyn's Progress
June 2003

The fourth annual Joe DiMaggio Award Gala to raise money for Xaverian High School's acclaimed REACH program for students with learning disabilities will honor Regis Philbin on Tuesday, June 10, 2003, 6 p.m., at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway (between 45th and 46th St.), in Manhattan. The evening will also pay tribute to the memory of Joe DiMaggio with a keynote address by former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent and an award presentation by Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction of Joe DiMaggio memorabilia. Jim Ryan, anchor of Good Day New York, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
"We are delighted to present Regis with the Joe DiMaggio Award," said Salvatore Ferrera, president of Xaverian High School. "This popular New York personality has been charming the guests on his talk show and entertaining viewers for more than three decades. Interestingly, he graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, which was staffed in part by Xaverian brothers when he was a student there. Regis has often talked about the importance of a good education."
The emmy award-winning Philbin, famous for his morning talk show, is also known for hosting the blockbuster hit game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," writing a couple of best-selling memoirs and launching his own line of stylish shirts and ties. Ever popular, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just last month.
Meanwhile, the Joe D. Dinner is shaping up to be a big draw. Emmy award-winner Michael Badalucco, star of "The Practice" and an alumnus of Xaverian, has RSVP'ed, along with Joe Piscopo and some surprise guests to be announced.
A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the award ceremony at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $500. Those interested are invited to call (718) 836-7100, ext. 119, for more information and to reserve tickets, or go to http://www.joedimaggioaward.com/.
Founded in 1957, Xaverian High School in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn is considered one of New York City's leading college preparatory schools for young men. Part of an international network of schools sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers, the school's special offerings include one of the few International Baccalaureate programs in the United States and its renowned REACH (Real Academic Achievement) program for college-bound students with learning disabilities. Each year, 100 percent of graduating seniors enrolled in REACH are accepted to college.
Xaverian receives applications from about 1,100 students annually, accepting 350 of them. The school's programs are open to all students, regardless of race, faith or national origin.
Administrators at Xaverian had close ties to Joe DiMaggio, who received Xaverian's first Concordia Award at a Dinner in 1997. After DiMaggio's death in 1999, the school decided to create an award in his name to memorialize his commitment to the health, education and well-being of America's youth. In previous years, Xaverian has presented the award to such luminaries as Dr. Henry Kissinger, Maestro Luciano Pavarotti and Rudolph Giuliani.
DiMaggio was introduced to Xaverian High School by Dr. Rock Positano, an alumnus and Board member of the school who was a close friend of the sports legend. Dr. Positano, a foot specialist who is current gala Chairman, met DiMaggio in 1989 when he sought his help for a painful heel problem.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Joe DiMaggio Scholarship Fund at Xaverian, which provides scholarships to students qualifying for financial aid. Funds raised will also benefit Xaverian's acclaimed REACH program for college-bound students with learning disabilities.