STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation ushers in new leadership for the coming year, members hosted an installation dinner to mark a significant milestone.
Members of The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
In addition to inducting a record number of 12 new members, the Patsy Serra Award was bestowed upon Patrick Buono, honoring his contributions and dedication to the foundation.
From the left, Anthony Maniscalco, past president, Gail Decker, daughter of the late Patsy Serra, Patrick Buono, who received the Patsy Serra Award, and Joseph A. Zichittella, club president. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Carmina Manna, vice president, Joseph A. Zichittella, president, Joe Causi, member and master of ceremonies, and Anthony Maniscalco, past president. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
At the Vanderbilt on the South Beach Boardwalk, members also made contributions to six local non-profits.
Al Grillo, Carol Berardi and Joseph A. Zichittella, president. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
Al Grillo, Doreen Cugno and Joseph A. Zichittella, president. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island AdvanceChecks were presented by new the new president, Joseph A. Zichittella, and Al Grillo to Carol Berardi of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, and to Doreen Cugno, co-founder of the St. George Theatre. Grillo and Carmine Manna also made a presentation to Pastor Michael Luciano of Gateway Church.And Anthony Maniscalco presented a check to Jim and Julie Cohen to benefit the Have a Heart Foundation of Staten Island.
Jim and Julie Cohen and Anthony Maniscalco, past president. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
Three other checks were donated, though recipients were not able to be present.
Dan Macri, to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maniscalco, to Jay Chazanoff to fund the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp, and another to the DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation.
Upcoming check presentations will be made by Zichittella to Susan Fenley, founder of Sundog Theatre. And Rob Marrachino will present a check to Ann Lawrence of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
THE EVENING’S PROGRAM
Entertainer/vocalist Vinnie Medugno kicked off the program with the National Anthem, followed by mezzo-soprano Olivia Manna who sang the National Anthem in Italian.
All around entertainer and vocalist, Vinnie Medugno, Anthony Maniscalco, past president, Joseph A. Zichittella, president and Joe Causi, member and master of ceremonies. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
Carmine Manna, vice president, Olivia Manna, Carmine’s niece, and Carmine’s wife, Ann Manna.(Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
A prayer and blessing was also offered by Pastor Luciano.
THE INSTALLATION DINNER
Joseph A. Zichittella, president, and his wife, Louise. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
“Our club is flourishing because of our collective efforts to sponsor outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds,” said Zichittella. “Together, we’ll continue to grow, preserve our heritage, support our community, and help each other achieve success. My guiding principle is to support those who support us.”
Carmine (vice president) and Ann Manna, and Kelly and Greg Magras, a member. (Courtesy/Lauren Manna Paolillo)Staten Island Advance
In 1950, eight Italian-American businessmen organized a club to exchange information and ideas to promote “a better understanding among leading Italian-Americans in the business and professional field and to raise awareness about Italian culture.”
They sought not only to raise awareness and promote Italian culture, but to raise funds for charitable, philanthropic and educational organizations.
Those interested in learning more about the Italian Club should visit its website at https://www.icosif.org/
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