by Regina Medina
Daily News Staff Writer
It took at least an hour to get a cheesesteak at Geno's yesterday afternoon, but nobody was complaining.
In fact, it was a good thing. The wait meant that Daniel Faulkner's memory was alive and strong, not hidden in the shadow of his celebrity killer.
Men, women, young and old, were snapping up cheesesteaks with a double purpose - because the traditional Philly fare tastes good, and to raise money in the first-ever Daniel Faulkner Block Party.
The more food the public bought, the more money went to the not-for-profit Justice for Daniel Faulkner Fund, which, according to Faulkner's widow, Maureen, is used partly to educate people about the facts of the world-renowned case.
The fund also gives scholarship money to children of murder victims and those who were incapacitated through violence, she said.
The fund hopes to give out some $100,000 to help students, who must be Philadelphia residents, over the next year, said Michael Smerconish, one of the lead organizers.
Joseph Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, gave to the fund 100 percent of his sales from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. yesterday. He guaranteed that $20,000 would go to the fund, regardless of whether or not he sold that much food.
But, judging from the numbers released by Vento, the original goal will be surpassed: 2,815 steaks were sold and some 10,000 people visited Geno's and the Capitolo Playground across the street. Vento said the total amount raised would not be available until later, when money from other sources, such as french fries and sodas, is added in.
Vento said Smerconish "thought I was a nut" to turn that much money to the fund.
Maureen Faulkner gave a $5,000 check to Aking Beverly, the son of a murder victim. Beverly, a senior at Cardinal Dougherty High School, will attend Cabrini College.
"It's very emotional. Very moving," said Faulkner of the afternoon's activities. "People have tears in their eyes when they hug me."
She later walked down the line, which numbered 800 strong at times, to thank people for attending the event.
New York Police Officer Paul Pavarini traveled to Philly with fellow cops.
"It's good to see the community come together for this cause," Pavarini said.
Pavarini, who hovered near his colleague, Officer David Velez, said it was frustrating to think about all the money and support the convicted killer, Mumia Abu-Jamal, gets from big show-biz names and businesses like Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Nike and the alternative band Rage Against the Machine.
Mumia "gets the media time because they [his supporters] are well-known," said Velez.
Said Pavarini, "I wish a big corporation would do something for the widows and orphans of slain police officers."
As "Volare" played cozily in the background, three nuns giggled as they posed next to a motorcycle. Joe Brancato, apparent owner of the bike, was their former pupil at Nazareth Academy grade school in the Northeast.
Afterward, Sister Mary Joan Jacobs, of the Holy Family of Nazareth order, was forthright about her frustrations concerning the memory of Daniel Faulkner.
"I bet you people can tell you about the murder, but I bet you most people can't tell you about the victim," she said. "This is an opportunity for justice."
(For information about the Justice for Daniel Faulkner Fund, write Michael Smerconish at 1125 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107.)