Tag Archives: CIACO

Running a large, successful non-profit enterprise has its challenges, but Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization President Lou Scaramuzzo says his members make his job so much easier. “The membership is so cooperative and willing to do whatever it takes to help people,” Scaramuzzo says. “They are very giving people who do exceptional charitable work.” Scaramuzzo is on his second stint as president of CIACO, having previously led from 2007-14. A member of CIACO since 2003 and a board member since 2005, he has been with the group almost since its founding in 1998. One way to track the group’s growth …

Lou Scaramuzzo has embarked upon his second term as president of the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization, accepting the gavel from Bob Urbinati. A member of CIACO since 2003 and a board member since 2005, Scaramuzzo has served as secretary, second vice president and first vice president, in addition to his seven-year stint as president from 2007-14. “My good friend Tom Reboletti invited me to join the organization,” he explains. “I saw the good they were doing and the opportunity they offered to give back to the community and celebrate my Italian heritage. It was a perfect fit.” What Lou …

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored George Gatto Sr. as Man of the Year at its Honor and Hope Gala. “George is an extremely successful businessman, but he’s one of the most down-to-earth guys you’ll ever meet,” says Tom Reboletti, chairman of CIACO’s annual Honor and Hope Gala. “He’s not very vocal, but he’s the first to write a check and help the cause.” Scholarships to deserving high school seniors and grants to individuals in need were presented at the event. The following profile was provided by the organization. George Gatto One of six children of Dominick and Norma …

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 …

  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 …

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Remo Turano as Humanitarian of the Year at its Honor & Hope Gala on April 28 at the Medinah Shrine Center in Addison. More than a dozen scholarships were presented at the event, along with donations to a wounded veteran and other worthy causes. A profile of Turano follows: Remo Turano As a boy, Remo Turano helped out in his family’s bakery business. As a young adult, he instilled knowledge as a classroom teacher. As a young husband, he circled back to the family business, branching out into sweets and pastries. He has …

Robert Urbinati President, Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization How long have you been a member? I have been a member for approximately 13 years. Why did you join? CIACO was having a membership drive and I was invited by a current member and personal friend to attend the meeting. I remember there being a lot of people I already knew at the meeting. Due to the number of friends and acquaintances that were already members, I felt comfortable and decided to join. They’re very enthusiastic about celebrating their Italian American heritage and giving back to the community. What do you …

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Louis Scaramuzzo as Humanitarian of the Year on April 29 at Medinah Shrine Center in Addison.  A top performer in the luxury automobile market for three decades, Lou pours his heart and soul into every aspect of his life. With paternal grandparents Louis and Immaculata Scaramuzzo hailing from Caserta near Naples, and maternal grandparents Carmelo and Rosina Termine emigrating from Marsala in Sicily, Lou’s Italian roots run deep. The oldest Peter and Mary Scaramuzzo for children, Lou was born in Chicago and raised in Oak Lawn. “My parents grew up on Taylor Street …

More than 400 members, honorees and guests gathered on April 16 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison for CIACO’s annual Honor and Hope Gala. This year’s gala honored Humanitarian of the Year John McCallion. In addition, 20 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 five area residents dealing with various disabilities: ALS battler Denise Swallow; veterans Matthew Berrafato, Anthony Chobanov and Colton Zumach, all of whom were injured in the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; and Major James Pradke, whose young son lost …

  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 …