Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Approximately 350 members, honorees and guests gathered on April 28 at Medinah Shriners in Addison for CIACO’s 2018 Honor and Hope Gala. This year’s gala honored Humanitarian of the Year Remo Turano. In addition, 21 scholarships were awarded to college-bound students who qualified based on financial need and academic achievement. The event also featured the granting of financial awards to three area residents dealing with various disabilities — the family of Raymond Hildreth and veterans Jeff Sikes and Blaine Robinson.
This year’s scholars were Isabella Amato, Olivia Ciolino, Annabella Console, Alexxa DeCarlo, William Ferraris, Daniel Frusolone, Griffin Homes, John Ivonelli, Gabrella Janes, Alessandra Kidd, Gianna Marzullo, Jordyn McVicar, Mathew Mendoza, Kayla Paoletti, Dominic Perez, Audrey Pettgrew, Juliana Redesi, Joseph Reinhofer, Nicholas Serpico, Alexa Versetto and Elisa Versetto.
This year’s honoree is a true American success story who has given generously to his community along the way. Born in Calabria in 1952 to Attilio and Giosina Turano, Remo Turano moved with his family to Chicago in 1956. After earning a B.A. and teaching certification from DePaul University, he taught high school and special needs students in Leyden Township. Having worked at Turano Baking Co. during his childhood, he rejoined the business as an adult, concentrating on sweets and pastries.
In 2008, Turano and his brothers, Egidio and Marco, spun off the sweets end of the operations into a separate entity, which they called Chicago Pastry. Many a dinner dance has been enhanced by pastries donated by the company. He also has given back by serving on the board of Calabresi in America Organization and as chair of the Bloomingdale Business and Cultural Development Committee.
After enjoying stirring speeches and a sumptuous dinner, attendees danced the night away to 4 The Beat. That evening, CIACO donated more than $80,000, capping a very inspiring, entertaining and successful gala.
— This article presented by the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization
