The Joe DiMaggio Lodge #2248 was chartered, by the OSIA, on July 31, 1971. Since our founding, we have distinguished ourselves, throughout our history, by our philanthropic endeavors and exemplary service to the community.

Annually we sponsor a myriad of events on behalf of charity, health related research, community institutions, students, individual residents and families. We were a 25+ year host of the "Colette Cannizzaro" golf tournament. All proceeds were donated directly to New York Presbyterian Hospital at Cornell University, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology Thalassemia (Cooley’s Anemia) Research Program. Our donations to this worthy cause has exceeded $300,000.

We are a 30+ year sponsor of a Community Festival, held at the East Fishkill Recreation Area over the Memorial Weekend. This annual fundraiser allows us to help our neighbors through charitable donations, community service donations and scholarships.

We sponsored the Dutchess County Triathalon for 11 years, which was a fundraiser for Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang, and other charities such as The Make a Wish Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, the Heart Foundation and local hospitals. In addition to the charities, this event also provided funds to the East Fishkill Library.

We also provide annual donations to local churches as well as civic and community service organizations. Recipients include The New York State Police Foundation (summer camp for underprivileged children), Senior Citizens Volunteer Program of the City of Poughkeepsie, Miles of Hope (breast cancer) and the Saint Vincent DePaul Society food pantry. As well as sponsoring Little League Baseball, Girl’s Softball, and a Boy Scout Troop.

We have established two (2) college scholarships. One (1) at the New York State Grand Lodge of the O.S.I.A., and one (1) at the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to these scholarships, we have three (3) others which are awarded to graduating seniors from John Jay, Roy C. Ketcham & Arlington High Schools, annually, at the local lodge level.We also hold an essay contest for fifth (5) grade students in Wappingers School District.

We reach out to community residents, on an as needed basis, such as those struck by illness or disaster. During the Christmas & Easter seasons we adopt local families assuring them a holiday meal.

Perhaps one of our proudest achievements was our success in establishing the Italian Language Program in our local school district. It is through our insistence, perseverance and aggressive community action that our young people have the opportunity to study the Italian Language in our county’s largest school district. In 1981, members of the lodge identified a need to offer Italian Language Studies as part of the curriculum. Initial responses, by the school board, were unfavorable. Subsequently, a community wide petition was circulated, by us, to solicit interest in instituting an Italian Language Program in our schools. Due to an overwhelming community interest, the petition was submitted to the school board. In spite of their initial reluctance, the program was approved.

Another proud achievement happened in 2005 when we changed our lodge's charter to co-ed, and ten (10) years later, in March of 2015, we installed our 1st female president.

As Italian Americans, we are extremely proud of our accomplishments and are, forever, thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the worthwhile causes previously mentioned. It is also very rewarding to witness students, of diverse backgrounds, that participate in, and celebrate, our Italian Heritage & Culture.