Watch CBS News

Schwartz: Pizzeria To Donate All Sales To Charity In Honor Of Michael Strahan

By Peter Schwartz
» More Columns

If you take a stroll around Umberto's Pizzeria & Restaurant in New Hyde Park, you'll see plenty of New York Giants memorabilia on the walls.  So it should come as no surprise that the popular Long Island eatery is doing something very special that also involves Big Blue.

This Monday, as a tribute to Giants Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan being inducted into the team's Ring of Honor, Umberto's is having an event called "Pizza With A Purpose."  They will be donating all pizza sales to the Big Daddy Foundation, which benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Pizza With A Purpose flyer
Pizza With A Purpose flyer (Credit: RTB Media)

"Big Daddy" is Richard Salgado, the president of Coastal Advisors LLC.  His company provides insurance services, estate planning and business planning, and his client list includes current and former athletes from all over the sports world -- including Strahan.

You would think that this event was Big Daddy's idea, but it wasn't.

As it turns out, it was the brainchild of Salgado's friend, Umberto Corteo. Corteo is the owner of Umberto's.

"I think it's a beautiful thing to do, especially for the kids," said Corteo. "I don't think that any kid should be denied anything, especially when it comes to hospitals."

Umberto's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Umberto's Pizzeria & Restaurant (Credit: Richard "Big Daddy" Salgado)

Thanks to their relationships with Salgado, Corteo and Strahan have become friends over the years.  Corteo admits that he doesn't know much about football when it comes to X's and O's, but he knows one thing.

Strahan is special.

"Very much so," said Corteo, who has brought pizza to the studio for Strahan's television show, "Live! with Kelly and Michael." "He's a very humble guy.  I knew him before the TV show.  He was humble then. I think he's still the same. He's a very charming guy.  I wish him the best."

The relationship between Corteo and Strahan -- along with their association with Salgado -- has set the stage for what should be a very special and successful charity event on Monday.

Michael Strahan and Umberto Corteo
Michael Strahan and Umberto Corteo (Credit: Richard "Big Daddy" Salgado)

100 percent of the proceeds from all of Umberto's dining-in, take out and delivery pizza sales on Monday will go directly to Big Daddy's charity, as No. 92 is honored at halftime of Monday night's game against the Colts at MetLife Stadium.

"I'm very thankful for Umberto's for doing this for me," said Strahan. "St. Jude is a charity that is very dear to my heart."

The charity has been very important to a lot of people, as it makes sure that kids in need of treatment are taken care of.  The hospital's mission statement on its website says it all.

"The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay."

It's been a whirlwind couple of years for Strahan.  He added the daytime talk show to his resume while also serving as an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday.  Then, after getting snubbed during his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, Strahan was inducted in Canton this past summer.

Now on Monday, he'll join the other Giants greats along the upper-deck facade at MetLife Stadium.

"It was unexpected," said Strahan of the honor. "I'm excited that they are doing this. I'm excited, happy and nervous."

Corteo is also excited.  He's happy for his friend for getting honored, but he's also looking forward to a very special day for his restaurant.  At the end of the day on Monday, he'll get to write a big check for a very worthy cause.

"I hope so," said Corteo, who is expecting a busy day.  "I'm ready to make a few pies myself."

Take it from someone who has eaten many slices from Umberto's.  You won't be disappointed, and you'll be helping a great charity.

You can follow me on Twitter @pschwartzcbsfan.  You can also follow Umberto's @umbertopizza, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @StJude, Richard Salgado @CoastalAdvisors, and Michael Strahan @michaelstrahan.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.