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A SUPER PERFECT BANQUET!
View Our 2008 Banquet Slide Show
Guest speaker Zak DeOssie with
this years recipients of the
Ronnie Anderson "Big Guy" Award, Steve Giza and Lee Schofield.
Zak DeOssie speaks to members at our 25th Annual Banquet in March.
BY RICH ROONEY
MARCH 29. The day started very early for me, and as I remember back to previous Banquets, the weather was always great and today was cloudy and overcast. I arrived at Lombardo’s early and had many things to unpack from my car, because this was our 25th, we had ordered more memorabilia to give away at our raffle, than ever before. After getting inside and talking with Lombardo Management, I got right to work. Our friend and fellow member, Dave Stearns was already here and of course took up the prime location for his traveling memorabilia show and as always brought with him a young female assistant.
Well we got right to work setting up the Discotheque, which is a much different space than we usually get, but with Wedding season upon us, all rooms are filled at Lombardo’s. Zak DeOssie arrived early and tried to take advantage of the facilities, but we had many guests who also arrived early and he was mobbed from the beginning and was a huge success with all the members.
Because of the early arrivals our set up time was cut down, and we made due as we always do. John Berti was busy with his notes and what he wanted to say for greetings to both members and Zak DeOssie. I was pretty much busy with behind the scenes and Lombardo Management making sure all was running smoothly and greeting folks and wishing them a great banquet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both my wife Helena and son Sean for coming and volunteering for the past four years; to assist in greeting and getting all signed in and welcomed.
Barry Belotti was also heavily involved and together with myself, Steve Giza and Lee Schofield were setting up the raffle ticket area, unpacking the new Club T-Shirts for sale and also the many purchased items for the raffle. We hung our many banners and other Club identifiers. We announced the Banquet was officially started, made sure the pre meal food was available for consumption; and the bartender was at his perch, and making sure all had the libation of their choice. We have many new members this year and I had my list of those that needed special greetings and made to feel comfortable and part of our ever expanding “family”.
We sat down to eat, but unfortunately some folks weren’t finished with Zak. We finally sat down ate and John Berti did the honors of highlighting and honoring Zak and his accomplishments and for that matter, the whole team and what a miracle year they had. Zak went up and told of his first beginnings through college and his combine experience. His talk continued right through training camp, where he had to sing and do other goodhearted, but at times demeaning task; as part of the rookie hazing process. After about 40 minutes of talk he opened up the floor to questions. I noted from this time that when he called on folks, it was always “Sir” or Ma’am”, very polite and proper and came to the event dressed in a nice suit with matching tie. Also from being around him, when he talked to the members; once he spoke with someone, he remembered their names and when called on used the name, if he new it. Zak was a pleasure to be around and was very entertaining and I don’t think I spoke to anyone that had a complaint or bad thing to say about our guest. And dare I say, will go down, as one of the best speakers we have ever had.
We continued on with the presentation of our “Big Guy” awards; in honor of our founder and leader for many years until his demise back in 2005, Ronnie Anderson. Both Steve Giza and Lee Schofield were presented the awards by Barry Belotti after firing up the crowd with a NY GIANTS Cheer! Both Steve and Lee were dumbfounded, but especially Steve who couldn’t believe he was selected; and still has a hard time talking about his award. He’s so proud of the award and his role in our club.
We completed the day’s activities with our raffle and because we had so many items took some time to complete. My thanks go out to both John and Barry for another successful banquet. This was the most members we had a function since Coach Fassel came, back in 2004. Whenever you win the Super Bowl, our club really turns out in celebration of our team. We are so lucky and here’s hoping we continue to support and cheer on the best damn football team in the world, The New York Football Giants, World Champs. Also stay tuned to our next newsletter which is the Annual Draft Issue and hope to see you all at our annual Draft Day Extravaganza.
Giants World Champions!
Giants 17 - Patriots 14
