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FAU Athletics Receives Scholarship Donation

Balistreri Realty Presents $12,500 Check for Athletic Scholarships

 

BOCA RATON, FL – Community leader and area realtor Joe Balistreri, of Balistreri Reality, continues to gift annual scholarships for Florida Atlantic University Athletics. In January, Balistreri Realty presented its first check for $7,500 to head football coach Howard Schnellenberger. On Thursday, a second check for $12,500 was presented which builds scholarship opportunities through intercollegiate athletics.

“Joe (Balistreri) has been an outstanding supporter of the FAU Athletics family for a long time,” FAU’s Athletics Director Craig Angelos said. “We are very appreciative of his efforts in stepping up to be the first donor for athletics scholarships. We hope others will join him as we work together to eventually raise enough funds on an annual basis to support all of our athletic scholarship needs.”

Balistreri became a Football Founder during the initial stages of the program. He has been a true creative leader throughout the five year process. He may be known for providing the sound at the first scrimmages, when there was no power available on the Oxley Fields, for organizing tailgate parties, helping with both women’s soccer and softball events, and being an integral part of the Owl Club Committee that hosts the annual Football Banquet.

Since becoming involved with the program, Balistreri has bounced ideas off head coach Howard Schnellenberger in the interest of generating fan support. During the Owls historical run to the NCAA Semifinals, Balistreri teamed with his brother, Jim, to underwrite tickets to anyone wishing to come to the final two football games.

Their efforts paid off with an outstanding crowd for the FAU-Colgate national semifinal game televised nationally on ESPN.

Balistreri’s generosity continued in the coming weeks as a sponsor of the Gridiron Club Award bestowed to the Senior MVP. He has sponsored this award the first two seasons and presented it to middle linebacker Quentin Swain this past January.

Prior to the conclusion of the 2004 banquet, Balistreri presented a $7,500 check to the Owl Club earmarked for scholarship and challenged others to do the same. Once again, his vision proved on target recognizing the need for additional scholarships to continue FAU Athletics drive toward new heights and more success.

“Joe Balistreri continues to be most generous to FAU football. This latest scholarship gift is just the most recent display of his kindness,” said Schnellenberger. “Joe, as well as myself, hope this gift will encourage others to step forward to help Florida Atlantic athletes and their scholastic opportunities.”