89th Annual Columbus Banquet

The 89th Annual Columbus Banquet hosted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America, was held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park.

Chairwoman for the event, Margurite Rowley, welcomed the guests and the Master of Ceremony for the evening, the Honorable Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park. Mayor Calderone introduced the Grand Lodge Officers, guests and dignitaries.

The Grand Lodge honored Senatore Renato Turano as their 2013 Humanitarian. In presenting the award to Senatore Turano, Grand Lodge President Marie Marsalli stated “we are truly proud of his accomplishments and we present this award to the Senatore for his continued passion and dedication in serving and assisting Italian-American’s both on the national and international levels. Senatore Turano devotes countless time and effort in assisting Italian American’s; he is a true humanitarian.”

Guests and dignitaries in attendance included Grand Lodge Officers; filial lodge presidents and members; Deputy Consul Marco Graziosi; OSIA National President Anthony J. Baratta; and, Mauro Glorioso representing the JCCIA.

Presenting scholarships were Immediate Grand Lodge President and National SIF Trustee, Richard R. Della Croce, Grand Lodge President Marsalli and Filial Lodge Presidents/Representatives.

The Illinois Sons of Italy Foundation awarded the following scholarships: Jake Corrao, son of Peter & Sharon Corrao received the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge scholarship; Allie Vallance, daughter of Gary & Lena Vallance received the Southwest Lodge scholarship; Mikayla Melone, daughter of Joe & Rhonda Melone received the Illinois Sons of Italy Foundation and the Donna Chesrow Lodge scholarship; Mitchelle Luebke, son of Aaron & Colette Luebke received the Mayor Ronald Serpico’s scholarship; Laurel Harnett, daughter of Grant & Darcie Harnett received the Americo Vespucci Lodge scholarship; Kelsey Gugliuzza, daughter of Kevin & Mary Gugliuzza received the Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, OSIA scholarship; Joshua Luebke, son of Aaron & Colette Luebke received the Illinois Sons of Italy Foundation scholarship; Madeline Benjamin, daughter of Daniel Benjamin (deceased) and Amie D’Antonio received the Leone d’Oro Lodge scholarship; and, Catherine Russo, daughter of Nick & Lori Russo received the Chicago Heights Lodge scholarship.

Rev. John Belmonte, Grand Lodge Chaplain, gave the invocation. Entertainment was provided by the talented Nino Folino. Photo Credit: Tim Townsend