About Don

Don Ferrarese, Married to Betty for 58 years, has called Apple Valley home for the past forty years.  Growing  up  in the Bay area of California, in a first generation Italian family, Don learned the value of hard work early on, working in his families market and Deli, until he was recruited to play major league baseball in 1948.   Don pitched for 18 years professional Baseball, achieving unforgettable milestones, such as striking out Mickey Mantle, tossing out the Ten Millionth Baseball with President Eisenhower,  being a special guest on the Ed Sullivan show and not the least, sharing hitting records with the King of Swat himself, Babe Ruth.

After a rewarding career in the Major leagues, Don Moved to Apple Valley where he owned and operated Hugo’s, an Italian  Deli widely known and  recognized even today.  After Hugo’s, Don opened Ferrarese’s, an Italian restaurant that quickly gained in popularity for it’s authentic cuisine and friendly service.  To this day, Don continuously receives requests for his recipes, which he gladly offers to those asking.

Rightfully, after two successful careers, Don could have afforded himself a much deserved retirement, enjoying days on the golf course with friends and family, without worry or need.  However, this was not in Don’s character as he embarked upon offering his energies and talents to charitable causes, volunteering wherever he could, and whenever he was asked.

One of the more prominent charitable services Don has been involved in, is with his partner Jack Fales.  Together, Don and Jack, holding over 100 auctions, have raised nearly $2 million with their infamous Wine and Memorabilia auctions, dedicating hundreds of hours and thousand of dollars, all for the benefit of local non-profit groups needing to raise monies to support the local community.  

Don continues his generous spirit of giving with his day to day efforts in ensuring the long-term success of The Don Ferrarese Charitable Foundation