In the two decades since its founding, the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization has created a remarkable legacy of giving. Each year, the group provides hundreds of needy families with full Thanksgiving meals, presents tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to college-bound students and bestows tens of thousands of dollars more upon veterans in need and other worthy causes.
“None of what we do would be possible without the involvement and support of our members,” says CIACO president Bob Urbinati. “That’s why we decided to present our Humanitarian of the Year Award in memory of deceased members at this year’s gala.”
That honor roll includes Eugene Abbott, Ron Alghini, Joe Aurelio, Sam Bruno, Tony Burdi, Doug Buffone, John Burrello, Rich Butera, Guy Calabrese, Bob Casalla, Sam Cavallo, Bob Cimo, Dennis Colucci, Larry Dalicandro, Carmen (Chuck) D’amico, Ed DeBartolo, Tom DeCarlo, Pat DiBiaso, Peter Fantino, Nick Favia, Chuck Fuscone, Paul Gallo, Raymond Gennetti, Henry Gentile, Joe Gentile, Natale Gercone, Tony Laurie, Ken Liacone, Bob Madura Sr., Emil Marcheschi, Frank Mazza, Tony Mengarelli, Mario Paone, Sam Pietrini, Bob Reboletti, Art Reuter, Pat Saviano, Floyd Sanford, Jim Sarno, Dominic Saverino, Frank Scatchell, Frank Toscano, Biaggio (Joe) Trombatore and Peter Verdico.