Tag Archives: Calabresi in America Organization

The Calabresi in America Organization is no stranger to high-profile, large-scale events, co-hosting a massive summer festival with Società San Francesco di Paola in August, a wildly popular trip to Calabria in September and a well-attended dinner dance in October. Smaller in scope, their St. Joseph Table still packs some fundraising wallop. More than 200 members and guests took part in this year’s event, which generated $5,000 in donations to Casa Italia. The check was presented by CIAO President Chris DeSanto (on the right in the photo) to Casa Chairman Ron Onesti at the Casa’s April board meeting.  

Local realtor Christopher DeSanto has stepped up to the presidency of the Calabresi in America Organization, continuing a legacy of leadership begun by his mother, Mary. DeSanto’s grandparents came to America from Castrolibero and Rende, Calabria. Both of his parents were members of CIAO from the club’s inception, and his mom was a perennial volunteer and longtime board member. “For the last decade or so, my mother and I served on the board together,” DeSanto says. “When I became vice president, she was so happy, and she knew the day would come when I would become president. The best feeling …

Mario Salerno has been elected president of the Calabresi in America Organization. A member for eight years, Salerno served as an advisor for two years and worked his way up through the vice presidential ranks before being elected president. “Being involved has given me the opportunity to share my Calabrese background with others and celebrate it as well,” he explains. “I like being able to provide outreach not only to other Calabrese but to members of other Italian-American organizations.” Being elected president is both on honor and an opportunity for Salerno, who follows in the footsteps of his father, Frank, …

More than 80 people gathered for the first annual Festa della Sopressata competition at the North American Pizza & Culinary Academy in Lisle. Hosted by NAPCA founder and master instructor Leo Spizzirri and his partner, founder and chef instructor Anthony Iannone, the four-hour event was as much of a party for friends and family of the 19 competitors as it was a serious tournament for the best homemade sopressata. Judges included Frank DeCicco of the Calabresi In America Organization. “I was honored to be selected and humbled by the passion every contestant showed for maintaining this great Calabrese tradition,” DeCicco …

Accountant Lisa Perkins took charge of the Calabresi in American Organization at its annual installation dinner in November. Joining her as 2018 officers are First Vice President Mario Salerno, Second Vice President Angela Morrone Incandela, Third Vice President Christopher DeSanto, Recording Secretary Gia DeCicco, Corresponding Secretary Laura Clementi, Treasurer Frank Salerno, Assistant Treasurer Mary DeSanto, Legal Adviser John Spina and Sergeant-at-Arms Carmine Russo. Directors are Albert Belmonte, Rosemarie Caiafa, Alberto De Cicco, Frank M. Palermo, Fred Pincente, Carmel Ruffolo, Charles Salerno, Rosario Salerno, Pina Stefanelli and Egidio S. Turano. Directors emeritus are Gino Bartucci, Joseph Bruno, Mike Molinaro, Carmine Naccarato, …

Accountant Lisa Perkins has stepped up to the presidency of the Calabresi in America Organization. A member for 18 years, she joined to re-establish ties to her Italian roots. “My Calabrese grandparents passed away several years ago, and the Italian experience was no longer a part of my life,” she explains. “Joining a group whose members share the same heritage filled that void in my life.” Perkins likens CIAO to an extended family of unique individuals with shared interests. “I like how so many varied personalities come together to accomplish great things,” she says. “Just like a family, we are …