Christian Brothers’ Dinner

The Thirty Sixth Annual

Michael Brillati ‘93 named 2017 Honoree

The 2017 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee is pleased to announce the selection of Michael A. Brillati, ’93, as this year’s Dinner Honoree. “He is a most deserving Honoree,” says President John M. Knight, “and it is our privilege to recognize his many contributions to his alma mater.” Michael served as the Chairman of the Dinner from 2007-2016, leading the event which welcomes more than 950 alumni and friends to celebrate and support the Christian Brothers’ mission at De La Salle Collegiate. During that time period, the Dinner’s revenue has steadily increased from approximately $135,000 to more than $230,000 in 2016. “Michael has uniquely impacted De La Salle by dedicating his leadership and resources to the Christian Brothers’ Dinner,” said Chris Czarnik, Director of Advancement. “The benefit of the event goes far beyond the very ample funds raised that evening to support students. It reinforces the meaningful brand of De La Salle and strengthens relationships that lead to strong enrollment and future service and contributions.” In becoming the 36th Honoree, Mike joins his father, Leonard, the 2001 Honoree, in earning the distinction. Leonard also served as Chairperson of the Dinner from

Michael A. Brillati ‘93

The Thirty-Sixth Annual Christian Brothers’ Dinner At Penna’s of Sterling May 4, 2017

Tickets $225 in advance $275 at the door

Tickets available at www.thepilothangar.com or call John Monigold at 586-541-6212

1993-2000. It is the second instance that both a father and son have been named

Honoree, with John Addy, Jr.

‘34 (1983) and his son Jim

Addy ‘63 (2003) being the first two-generation family.

“My connection to De La

Salle is all about family,” says

Mike. “My dad was a past

Chairperson of the Dinner, and my brothers Paul and

Steven have been very active and supportive of the school as well. I think we all recognized how our dad valued his children being educated at De

La Salle, and know the difference it has made in our lives.

I enjoy the idea that in some way we might help make that possible for other families.” “Mike understands our Mission,” says President Emeritus Brother Bob Carnaghi, who taught Michael as a student. “He jokes about not being one of the top guys in his class, but he’s proven that hard work makes all the difference. He uses his success to bless others. I’m so proud of Mike and the whole Brillati family.” After graduation, Mike attended the University of Detroit Mercy and met his wife Julie there. They have three sons, Joseph, Peter, and Charlie – all future Pilots. Mentored by other De La Salle graduates including past Honorees Paul Zimmer and Ray

Christian Brothers’ Dinner

Previous Dinner Honorees Jim Addy ‘63 John Addy, Jr. ‘34 W Russ Agosta ‘64 Len Brillati W Brothers of the Christian Schools Tony Brune, Sr. ‘38 W Br. Robert Carnaghi, FSC ‘48 SJ Jerry Carnago ‘49 W Julius Cicchini, ‘55 SJ William Cromie ‘35 W Tony DeSantis ‘60 W Rich Dobrzynski ‘60 Bill Fox ‘50 Br. Kevin Gilhooly, FSC W Vincent Goeddeke ‘18 SJ W Jim Gunn ‘56 Br. Bernard Guzewicz, FSC W Rich Jungwirth, ‘52 Br. Tom Lackey, FSC ‘65 Robert J. LeFevre ‘48 W Thom Lipari Dan Loepp ‘75 Pete Maceroni ‘58 Tony Mattar ‘50 J.P. McCarthy ‘50 W Br. Pat McNally, FSC ‘55 SJ John C. Monigold ‘66 Anthony W. Muer, Jr ‘39 W Gino Paliaroli ‘55 SJ Br. Xavier Pankovits, FSC ‘60 John Potvin ‘54 Joe Quasarano ‘42 W Roger Rinke ‘47 W Roland Rinke ‘43 Al Schaller ‘55 Justin Schaller ‘53 W Roger Schaller ‘56 Dr. Raymond Skowronski ‘74 Br. George Synan, FSC W Walter Van Den Bossche ‘29 W Br. Lewis Weins, FSC W Mark Wisniewski ‘83 Jerry Zaccardelli ‘75 Paul Zimmer ‘66

W Indicates Deceased

Honoree, continued from pg 4

Skowronski, Mike began a career in the insurance industry and opened his own firm, Salus Group, in 2005. He specializes in employee benefit plans and the company has grown to serve clients in multiple states. “De La Salle is responsible on so many levels for my success,” says Mike. “The people I’ve met through the school have become my closest friends. The Dinner reflects that environment. It’s fun because it’s really about men coming together to celebrate friendships and support a school that is nothing short of vital to Catholic education and our Detroit community.” Dinner Chairperson Mike Wasik says he is happy to see Mike enjoy the award. “Mike is so deserving,” Wasik says. “Serving on the Committee with him in previous years, we have had a lot of fun, but Mike kept us focused on doing good things for DLS students in need.” This year’s Dinner is May 4th. In addition to De La Salle and St. Joe’s alumni and friends, graduates of schools such as Harper Woods Notre Dame, Bishop Gallagher, and Austin also join in to make it a celebration of Eastside Catholic education. “St. John Baptist de La Salle’s mission was to educate the poor,” says Mike. “That has made an impact on my life that if we are successful in life, we need to give back to those less fortunate. Guys from those schools were brought up the same way, and we are really all part of one family.

Christian Brothers’ Dinner

The 2017 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee assembles with Michael Brillati, the 2017 Honoree. Back Row: Mike O’Donnell, Chris Czarnik, Matt Loria ‘95, Ray Skowronski ‘74. John Monigold ‘66, Onorio D’Agostini, Mike Taglione ‘76, Greg Martinko ‘99, Matt DeAngelis. Front Row: Dinner Chair Mike Wasik ‘91, Amy Seiferlein, Tony Catullo ‘59, Honoree Michael Brillati ‘93, RJ Koss ‘88, and Chris Fett ‘90 Not pictured; Steve Graus, Jerry Grillo, Anthony Lamerato, Joe Mansour, Sam Serra, Sal Simone.

Bid on an Auction Item!

You do NOT have to be physically present at the Dinner to bid on golf and vacation packages, and more, in the Silent Auction. Please check the DLS website at www.delasallehs.com for details on how to register with QTEGO, our online auction site. On the QTEGO site, you will find details on each of the attractive packages available in the auction. You can make bids online, via your computer or smartphone, and receive notifications via text every time there is a new bid on your items, then you can bid again.

Bidding closes at 10:00 p.m. on May 4.

2017 Committee Members Michael J. Wasik ‘91 - Chairman Anthony Catullo ‘59 Christopher Czarnik Onorio D’Agostini Matt DeAngelis Chris Fett ‘90 Steve Graus ‘74 Jerry Grillo Ralph Koss ‘88 Tony Lamerato ‘02 Matt Loria ‘95 Joseph Mansour Greg Martinko ‘99 John Monigold, Sr. ‘66 Michael O’Donnell Michael Ringler Amy Seiferlein Sam Serra Sal Simone ‘74 Ray Skowronski ‘74 Michael Taglione ‘76