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 military service. Retired Staff Sergeant Timothy Kathol received a grant to support the work he does on behalf of disabled veterans. Married with two children, Matt Toole received a grant to assist him in his battle with ALS. Beth Arpon received a grant to assist her in her battle with a rare form of cancer. And Brigette Zagotta received a grant to help support her family as she deals with the recent passing of her husband and the care of a daughter with autism.

Receiving scholarships were Adriana Casali (Trinity High), Marianna Rose Colucci (Lake Park High), Michelle Diatte (Elmhurst College), Madeline Frieze (Lyons Township High), Caroline Gaglio (The Willows Academy), Tyler Hill (Waubonsee Community College), Keegan Homes (Glenbard West High), Jennifer Jaros (Main South High), Brett Kupiweski (Lake Park High), Rachel Laren (West Leyden High), Cristina Lucia Loizzo (IC Catholic Prep High), Francesca Marchetti (Burlington Central High), Jessica Marchetti (Burlington Central High), Michael McMullin (Cary Grove High), Alexander Mennella (East Leyden High), Matthew Novak (Elk Grove High), John Piemonte (Plainfield North High), Gabriella Rodriguez (Willowbrook High), Nicole Szilagyi (York Community High), and Cassandra A. Thomas (DuPage College).

Over the last 29 years, CIACO has awarded nearly $600,000 in scholarships and grants. (www.ciaco.com)

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 military service. Retired Staff Sergeant Timothy Kathol received a CIACO grant to support the work he does on behalf of disabled veterans.

Married with two children, Matt Toole received a grant to assist him in his battle with ALS. Beth Arpon received a CIACO grant to assist her in her battle with a rare form of cancer. And Brigette Zagotta received a CIACO grant to help support her family as she deals with the recent passing of her husband and the care of a daughter with autism.

The following students received scholarships at the gala: Adriana Casali (Trinity High School), Marianna Rose Colucci (Lake Park High School), Michelle Diatte (Elmhurst College), Madeline Frieze (Lyons Township High School), Caroline Gaglio (The Willows Academy), Tyler Hill (Waubonsee Community College), Keegan Homes (Glenbard West High School), Jennifer Jaros (Main South High School), Brett Kupiweski (Lake Park High School), Rachel Laren (West Leyden High School), Cristina Lucia Loizzo (IC Catholic Prep High School), Francesca Marchetti (Burlington Central High School), Jessica Marchetti (Burlington Central High School), Michael McMullin (Cary Grove High School), Alexander Mennella (East Leyden High School), Matthew Novak (Elk Grove High School), John Piemonte (Plainfield North High School), Gabriella Rodriguez (Willowbrook High School), Nicole Szilagyi (York Community High School), and Cassandra A. Thomas (College of DuPage).

Over the last 29 years, CIACO has awarded nearly $600,000 in scholarships and grants. (www.ciaco.com)

http://www.ciaco.org

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Joe Calafiore as Humanitarian of the Year at its Honor & Hope Gala on April 18 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison.

When you first see Joe, the words “Serve and Protect” seem so appropriate, and not just because he was a police officer. He’s an imposing figure; a big guy with slick black hair. When he’s serious, he’s very serious, but somehow you know he wouldn’t hurt a fly. And when he smiles you know everything is going to be okay.

That’s why, when his name came up as a candidate for our Humanitarian of the Year award, all anyone could think was, “well deserved.”

Joe is the son of an immigrant mother, Maryann Burdi of Bari, Italy, and an American born papa, Joe Sr. He has a brother, Michael, and two sisters, Joanne and Maria.

When Joe was 18 years old, after graduating from Elmwood Park High School, he became a police cadet. Three years later, he started a 14-year career with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. He was Chief of the 3rd Municipal District. “Officer Friendly” used his calm but firm approach to gain respect, friendships and an excellent reputation.

He moved into the Office of the Secretary of State first as an assistant manager, then advancing to his current position as manager of the Lombard facility. He’s now in his 23rd year.

He married Francine Incavo in 2004, and these two best friends are known for their enthusiasm, kindness and love of life. The boss of the house is their dog, Rocky.

Joe has served as an officer with CIACO and on the board of directors. He’s an outstanding fundraiser and chairs the Honor & Hope Ad Book Committee.

Joe will tell you, no he’ll show you, he’s a sports fan by the logoed shirts he likes to wear. But his real passion is his cars: always stylish, always clean.

We’re not sure if Joe has ever turned down an opportunity to help someone, but if he did, it was only because of a scheduling conflict or illness or maybe because he was fast asleep. If you know Joe, you know he’s a man with a great smile and a heart to match. This officer is a gentleman and we’re glad he’s ours.

For more than a quarter of a century, the Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization has dedicated itself to helping those in need; honoring those who serve community and country; bringing joy and hope to the less fortunate; and giving of our time, energy and talents without thought of reward.

The club distributes 50-pound crates of food (turkey included) to more than 600 families for Thanksgiving, gives toys to needy children at Christmastime, and awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors and financial assistance to wounded war veterans.

CIACO raise funds for these endeavors through our Honor and Hope Gala, annual golf outing and Friday Night Fights.

For details, call 630-400-9908 or visit www.ciaco.org.