Foundation President Mario Faulisi, Honoree Jack LaSala, wife Marcella LaSala, Foundation Treasurer Angelo Gurino, Foundation Secretary Ann Marie Gurino.
The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation celebrated their 7th Annual Gala on Tuesday evening at Russo’s on the Bay. With just more than 300 supporters on hand check presentations were made to this years beneficiaries and awards and citations were given to each of this years four nominees.
The Honorable Patricia DiMango was named the Distinguished Italian-American Woman of the Year, Mr. Jack LaSala as Distinguished Italian-American Man of the Year, Cav. Tony DiPiazza, Distinguished Italian-American, Louis Croce, Italian-American Law Enforcement Executive of the Year and Msgr. Ronald Marino, Italian-American Religious Leader.
Cash donations were awarded to charities as well as local organizations and individuals. Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital received a check in the amount of $15,000, JDRF received $5,000, NYFAC $2,500, IACE, $2,000 and a $1,000 scholarship award went to Christian Cirillo of the Ave Maria Catholic Academy for his excellence in Italian Language.
Mario Faulisi, Ann Marie Gurino NYFAC founder Andrew Bauman, Angelo Gurino. NYFAC was the recipient of a $2,500 donation.
The Foundation is well known for hosting the Howard Beach Columbus Day Parade but the event was cancelled for this year due to unforeseen circumstances. It was promised to the crowd however that the parade would resume next year. Newly reinstated member Joe Meccariello enthusiastically promised the crowd a parade bigger and better than ever for 2013.
In addition to acting as hosts for the annual parade and donating tens of thousands of dollars to charity, the Foundation initiated and maintains a cultural enrichment program by offering free Italian language instruction for children and adults. The program is in it’s fifth year and is housed on the premises of St. Helen’s School. It is open to anyone and is free of charge.
If you would like more information about the Foundation and its programs call 718-641-
By Patricia Adams
