Community News

  The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization one-upped itself at this year’s Honor & Hope Gala, bestowing 20 scholarships at $2,500 each, plus an additional $35,000 in grants to two military veterans and three families with medical hardships, for a grand total of $85,000. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who was made an honorary CIACO member at the event, introduced Dominic Saverino Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient Joe Calafiore. Bridget Fretz received a CIACO grant to assist with the care of her son, Austin, a veteran who was critically injured in a car accident after completion of his …

  State Rep. John D’Amico joined his constituents in support of childhood epilepsy research at a “Toast to Danny” fundraiser for the Danny Did Foundation at the Gale Street Inn. The Danny Did Foundation was founded by Mike and Mariann Stanton after the unexpected death of their 4-year-old child, Danny. The foundation raises awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and raises funds to help families with children suffering from epilepsy. “I’m privileged to have been a part of this event, and I commend Danny Did for their efforts in going above and beyond to help children with epilepsy,” D’Amico …

  To help area women learn how to better protect themselves, State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, hosted a women’s self-defense seminar in late March. Attendees were taught basic self-defense techniques by martial arts instructor Master Daniel Kocsis. “Knowing what to do in an emergency is important,” DeLuca said. “Having the ability to practice self-defense techniques provides women with peace of mind that they know what to do if the situation arises. I look forward to continuing these workshops and being able to go more in-depth with this training.”  

The Kalo Foundation/Iannelli Studios Heritage Center of Park Ridge welcomed the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in March to view the studio’s 11-foot statue of the Madonna. The visit was facilitated by alumnae of Chicago’s former Immaculata High School, which the statue once graced. The Madonna was designed in 1922 by sculptor Alphonso Iannelli and commissioned by architect Barry Byrne, who was hired by the BVM nuns to design Immaculata. After the sisters closed the school and sold the building in 1981, the sculpture was removed by the purchasers and donated to the Smart Museum at the …

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans presented its Dante and Mazzei awards on May 29 at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., Chicago. Chicago Tribune Editorial Page Editor R. Bruce Dold received the Dante Award. The honor is bestowed each year on a member of the media who lives up to Dante Alighieri’s call to be no timid friend to truth. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk received the Mazzei Award. Named after the Revolutionary War patriot who inspired the phrase “all men are created equal,” the award is presented to a person who shows extraordinary skills in the world of public …

The National Italian American Foundation Board of Directors has voted to create a special one-time NIAF Emanuele and Emilia Inglese Memorial Grant of $100,000 to support the “Save the Saint” restoration project by the International Patrons of Duomo di Milano. The funds will go toward the restoration of the spire dedicated to St. Frances Cabrini, America’s first saint. The Cabrini spire is one of 135 available for restoration through the “Save the Saint” project. International Patrons of Duomo di Milano is a New York-based charitable organization established in 2014 to support the conservation, restoration and protection of the cathedral. www.duomopatrons.org. …

Northfield CPA John L. Ferrentino stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. Joining Ferrentino as 2015 officers are First Vice President Jonathan L. Zivojnovic, Second Vice President Anthony L. Ambrose, Third Vice President Jack P. Cannata, Secretary Stuart J. Caravello, Treasurer Vincent A. Maietta and Sergeant-at-Arms Mark M. Corrado. The two-year members of the board of directors are Frank Binetti, Michael D. Russotto, John F. Curry, Daniel A. Corrado and. Frank J. Lucchese. The one-year directors are Ross A. Morizzo, John L. Ambrogi, Victor M. Guerrieri, Christopher M. Dirks and …

Casa Italia has launched a fundraising paver project that promises to place it on a secure financial footing for years to come. The pavers will line the walkway between the Italian Cultural Center and Nonna Graziella in a pair of two-foot-wide paths that will eventually be lined with landscaping and benches. With plenty of parking on the either end of the walkway, the project will be readily accessible to the public, and at a maximum distance of only two feet, each paver will be easily located and viewed. The cost is $150 for a 4-inch-by-8-inch paver and $300 for an …

Richard and Debra Kopacz of Countryside are pleased to announce the wedding of their daughter Kelly to Giuliano Cerami. Giuliano is the son of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Cerami of Chicago. The bride is employed as an administrative assistant at a law firm in Chicago. A passionate artist, she is spearheading the creation of an Art League at Casa Italia in Stone Park. The groom is working as a head receiver for a grocery chain. The two were wed this May at St. Cletus Parish in LaGrange.  

  The Italian American Political Coalition honored a trio of titans at its March 20 Heritage Celebration at Diplomat West Banquets in Elmhurst. Retired Judge Bruno Tassone received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Executive Director JoAnn Serpico earned the William Paca Award and the Public Service Award was given to Hawthorn Woods Mayor Joe Mancino. The annual event honors Italian Americans who are active in the political and governmental arenas. Pictured (from left) are IAPC Rules Chairman Rich Pellegrino, IAPC President and Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Serpico, Mancino and Tassone.