Premium Content: ‘Maria the Ice Cream Girl’ receives $10K check on Good Morning America
Maria Campanella holding the check she received on Good Morning America and pointing to a photo of her dad, Angelo on the ice cream truck. Photo courtesy of Maria Campanella
By Jaime DeJesus
October 9, 2024
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BENSONHURST — ABC’s Good Morning America featured Bensonhurst native Maria Campanella during a segment on Oct. 4 and presented her with a $10,000 check from Good Humor in front of a crowd of friends in the neighborhood.
Also known as “Maria the Ice Cream Girl,” Campanella was featured on the show’s Ray of Sunshine segment, which highlights people who have made a positive impact on their communities.
Mascot for Good Morning America Ray and the show’s reporter DeMarco Morgan surprise Maria Campanella and friends. Photo courtesy of ABC/Good Morning America
“We show love to those who give back to their communities and Maria Campanella has been doing it for decades,” said ABC reporter DeMarco Morgan during the show. “She’s been selling ice cream to kids around Southern Brooklyn for more than 35 years.”
The segment highlighted Campanella’s beginnings as she inherited an ice cream truck from her father Angelo, who started the business in 1944 and passed away 15 years ago. Her father also had a nickname, “Chubby the Ice Cream Man,” and Campanella credits him for her involvement in the ice cream business.
Her friends were also interviewed, praising Campanella’s work which included providing treats to local precincts and helping friend Sal Marchese who was diagnosed with Leukemia.
Mascot for Good Morning America Ray and the show’s reporter DeMarco Morgan surprise Maria Campanella and friends. Photo courtesy of ABC/Good Morning America
“She asked me what she could do to help and she helped me with donations and fundraising,” he said on the show. “She’s the best person I’ve ever met in my life.”
Campanella was surprised when Morgan presented her the check and said she will donate some of the money to charity. Campanella has a history of involvement in charities and community service, and has been awarded for her work, including a Liberty medal for Lifetime Achievement. In September, Campanella was recognized by Assemblymember William Colton for her work in the community.
ABC reporter DeMarco Morgan gives Maria Campanella a check for $10,000 from Good Humor during Good Morning America’s Ray of Sunshine segment. Photo courtesy of ABC/Good Morning America
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