The man behind Staten Island's largest Christmas display gets some love for the charitable work he does.

Joe DiMartino received a standing ovation Tuesday when he dropped off a check for more than $35,000 at Staten Island University Hospital. 

Every year, DiMartino transforms his Charleston home into a must-see holiday attraction. Visitors donate money in memory of his late wife who was killed on September 11th.

All the funds raised this past Christmas will go towards the pediatric wing of the new cancer center coming to SIUH. Since he started the tradition in 2003, DiMartino says he raised more than a quarter of a million dollars. 

"All my neighbors and guests that come to see my Christmas display, we raise this money. I mean I put the display together but they bring the donations in, so they are the ones I should be thanking," DiMartino said. 

Next year he wants to set up an online donation campaign. 

He says too many young people don't carry cash, and he wants to make giving to the cause as easy as possible.