DeLuca, Onesti stage another stellar Springfield reception

On May 13, more than 300 elected officials, political lobbyists and community leaders converged on the Bank of Springfield Convention Center for the third annual Italian Caucus Reception in the state’s capital. What began as a quiet dinner prepared by Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo “Skip” Saviano and Bloomingdale Mayor Franco Coladipietro has blossomed into what legislators refer to as the “best party in Springfield.”

The event is chaired by State Rep. Anthony Deluca and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Ron Onesti. “When I heard about the event a few years ago, I thought it would be a great opportunity to let statewide elected officials know what our Italian American community is all about,” he says. “Rep. Deluca ran with it and did all the inviting. He is one of the most respected officials in state government, so everyone came.”

“What Ron did with his 24-foot antipasto table was sheer artwork,” Deluca says. “It’s an honor to celebrate our Italian heritage with friends and colleagues in our state capital, and I was once again impressed by the diverse group of guests that attended.”

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Rep. Bob Rita, Sen. Don DeWitt, Consul General of Italy Mario Bartoli and many other civic and political leaders joined in the celebration. The JCCIA sponsored a busload of guests from Chicago, who began their day with a tour of the Capitol building and ended it by enjoying ample food and beverages along with entertainment by Chicago-area vocalist Daniela Crocco.