Regis Philbin kicks off Center for the Homeless dance marathon

by Tristan Henry (thenry@wsbt.com)

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Regis Philbin arrives at the Dance Marathon to benefit the Center for the Homeless in South Bend (WSBT Photo)

Regis Philbin arrives at the dance marathon to benefit the Center for the Homeless in South Bend on April 19, 2008. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

SOUTH BEND — The Center for the Homeless in South Bend provides food and shelter to about 200 people a day. It's been in operation for 20 years and for 15 years Notre Dame graduate Regis Philbin has supported it.

"As I recall it used to be Gilbert's Men's Store years and years ago. So I've been involved and watched it grow over the years and I'm proud to be a part of the whole, the whole growth," said Philbin.

Regis helped kick off a 24-hour dance-a-thon at IU-South Bend Saturday.

"I can't thank you enough for what you are doing today and for your enthusiasm," Philbin told the crowd.

The dancers agreed to stay on their feet for 24 hours straight with financial support from sponsors.

"I was once homeless and I know how it is to come from being homeless and actually having a place to stay, you know. So I love to dance and I like to support anything that's going on the community," said Michael Hawkins.

Many of the dancers are current or former guests of the center who are happy to share their success stories with anyone who walks through the door. Other dancers just want to help out with the fundraising and keep the adrenaline pumping.

"I'm already having fun can't you see? I'm sweating! You should be over there with them, ain't that right camera man? Get over there and pop a lock on them. I love you guys, I'm out!" laughed dancer and homeless center volunteer Van Cassan.

Several local bands are scheduled to play for the dancers from 6 p.m. to Midnight on Saturday.

Everything has been donated so all the proceeds will go directly to the Center for the Homeless.

Tuesday, Apr 22 at 4:23 AM Guy who remembers Gilbert's clothing store wrote ...

Just curious. Will the new Eddy Street Commons complex include a spacious new state of the art Homeless center, or will the Domers wnot feel comfy with this. Let's face it, South Bend scrappers could get a few bucks for all of that gold plate on that dome.

Tuesday, Apr 22 at 1:59 AM michigonian wrote ...

If anyone reading this has ever been homeless..or had a close friend who was...you'd be more sympathetic to ANY positive help for this cause....

Monday, Apr 21 at 5:07 PM Speechless wrote ...

Wow, is all I have to say to that last comment. From a person who was close to him during both appearances at IUSB I have to say that comment could not be further from the truth. He actually had nothing but positive comments to say about the school, the event, and the great cause.

Monday, Apr 21 at 2:14 PM anonymous wrote ...

People close to Regis when he left, overheard him saying, "Lets get out of this hell hole!"

Monday, Apr 21 at 11:11 AM The Thinker wrote ...

Good for Regis. I just hope he doesn't start telling us who to vote for!

Monday, Apr 21 at 6:29 AM Anonymous wrote ...

hey Regis see that picture you are in that's IUSB genius. not Notre Duh!

Sunday, Apr 20 at 8:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My comment was not to attack Regis, it was simply to state that IUSB is frequently overlooked in the shining goldness of ND...

Sunday, Apr 20 at 7:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Typical ND grads. Reg had his people show up at a store in the mall they wanted a free kashmir coat reg forgot his in winter, the pwerson got pissy and demaned to speak w/manager. manager said reg can afford a coat-no freebies. nice job nd grads. Duh. Dean Martin wannabe.

Sunday, Apr 20 at 3:16 PM Another grateful Michianaan! wrote ...

The Michianaan is right, besides, it wouldn't surprise me if the slip up on the name of the college was brought to his attention and he apologizes on his show tomorrow. Give the guy a break, you people are finding fault with someone who came to town and everything he did was positive, to help someone else at his expense. What have YOU done for the good of the community lately? Regis worked his way through N.D with a part time job at a T.V station and comes back frequently to share his wealth!

Sunday, Apr 20 at 1:46 PM A grateful Michianaan. That'll honk off few folks! wrote ...

It's not like the world has so many positive role models that we can bash each and every one of them for the slightest mistake they make. So he's a huge N.D fan, that ain't exactly a small club. I'm proud not to be a member of it but I'd kiss Charlie Weiss on the lips if it meant Regis continuing to do what he does for the poor and needy in our community. As much as he contributes, and it's no small amount, it does not amount to a fraction of what the locals WILL NOT do for them. Thanks Regis!

Sunday, Apr 20 at 10:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree with anonymous, IU South Bend is often overlooked when we participate (or put together) anything. Last year when we participated in Step It Up Michiana...only ND was mentioned...it was a real bummer.

Sunday, Apr 20 at 7:43 AM Big Tuna wrote ...

Look at the woman at the bottom of the picture above! Regis walks in and she looks like she coulnd't care less.

Sunday, Apr 20 at 6:56 AM annette wrote ...

We need more events like this in the community. And the man definitly deserves a "cookie". It is refreshing to see someone willing to give back..with his schedule to make time for something like this is awesome. And the fact that they have success stories is enough to tell us that it is working.

Saturday, Apr 19 at 9:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

On Friday's show, Regis managed to say that the dance marathon was being held at ND---not IU South Bend. As a student, I'm frustrated---even more frustrated when Golic (also there) said he was surprised to learn that IU South Bend was there... Umm... whatever... just reaffirms the fact that I dislike anything ND.

Saturday, Apr 19 at 8:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

so what does he want a cookie ?

Saturday, Apr 19 at 8:33 PM Lisa wrote ...

I LOVE Reeg! I wish I had know that he was going to be there!

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