Where else but in South Philly can one grab a buffet plate and feast on a smorgasbord of meatballs, pasta, cannoli, chicken parm and cheesesteaks?

And wouldn't it be nice to know, as you stuff your face with food from 50 restaurants, that you're consuming all those calories for a worthwhile cause?

From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, "The Taste of South Philly '02" at the First Union Center hopes to raise thousands of dollars toward scholarships for local girls attending St. Maria Goretti High School for Girls in South Philly.

This year's event will be the first for new school President Rita Frey, former CEO of Samaritan Hospice in Marlton, N.J., and of the National Kidney Foundation of the Delaware Valley. Frey is a 1968 Goretti grad who believes her high school education directly attributed to her success.

"I know in my heart of hearts that I would have never achieved what I achieved if it wasn't for the education and values I received," Frey said. "I was able to spread my wings and shine and get the confidence I needed."

To help raise scholarship money for new and returning students next year, dozens of corporate sponsors and about 50 local restaurants have donated time and food. The South Philly String Band will provide the entertainment.

About that food...Termini Bros, Monte Carlo Living Room, Ippolito's Seafood, North Third Restaurant - the list goes on and on.

"These restaurants are wonderful. They donate their resources, their time, everything," said Frey. "We couldn't do it without them."

For the first time, the school will present a St. Maria Goretti leadership award. This year's recipient will be 1972 graduate Sylvia DiBona, CEO of the William Penn Insurance Co. and a founding organizer of the tasting seven years ago.

The event has raised about $250,000 in scholarship money so far. Last year's total was $40,000, which helped 23 girls attend Goretti. This year's goal is $50,000.