“Staten island’s got pizazz!” That was the message from Cardinal Timothy Dolan Monday night as about 500 gathered at a gala fundraiser for the Catholic School Region of Staten Island. “Of course, that message can’t leave the shores of Staten Island,” the cardinal quipped. He does happen to be in charge of the Archdiocese of New York, which is made up of 2.5 million other Catholics.

Honored at the gala were:

  • The Siller Family and Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They received the Denis P. Kelleher Award.
  • Luanne Sorrentino, Rosemary Hillers and Doreen Cugno and the St. George Theatre. They received The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.
  • John Vincent Scalia Sr. of Scalia Funeral Homes. He received The Mother Cabrini Award.
  • Zoilita M. Herrera. She received the first Monsignor Peter G. Finn Educator Award.

All proceeds from the event, held in Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn, are dedicated to Catholic elementary education on Staten Island.

Click here to view the full article by Staten Island Advance.

Photo: Cardinal Dolan with the Siller family. Left to right: Mary Scullin, Gina Vogt, George and Frank Siller. (Courtesy of Joey G. Photography/Steve White) Steve White