BATH BEACH — Italian heritage and culture were front and center, as the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn (FIAO) recently hosted a “Proclamation Ceremony” recognizing the contributions and achievements of four outstanding Italian Americans from Kings County.
FIAO is a not-for-profit community service organization that aims to preserve Italian-American heritage and culture to promote a positive legacy, connect generations, and foster relationships within a multicultural society.
Nick Pesce, general manager at FPL Foods and La Bella Marketplace. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Since 1976, FIAO has been a leader in bridging the rich diversity of Brooklyn’s multicultural communities by delivering free programs and services to improve the quality of life for residents of all ages. Currently, the organization has approximately 4,000 members.
FIAO hosted the event at its Il Centro Cultural Community Center, the evening of Oct. 22.
Honorees included Hon. Lara Genovesi, New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division Second Department associate justice; Pasqualino “Pat” Russo, Esq., partner at Windels Marx and FIAO board member; Nick Pesce, general manager at FPL Foods and La Bella Marketplace; and Peter Ciaccia, partner at Broadway Construction Group, founder of Resolute Properties Global and partner at Cesena FC, an Italian professional football club.
Making for a better community
Genovesi told the Brooklyn Eagle that it is an “absolute honor” to be recognized, and the fact that the ceremony was held at Il Centro during Italian Heritage Month makes it extra special.
“This place is like a second home for many Italian Americans, but it’s also welcoming of so many others,” Genovesi, who is half Italian and half Lebanese, said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone here tonight. Italian culture and heritage are so important, but I think it’s important for every culture to keep it going for the next generation as well.”
FIAO Chairman Jack Spatola posited that if one is not proud of their heritage, they’re likely to be less supportive of different backgrounds.
Spatola also spoke specifically about the center, which he mentioned was the first Italian American cultural center in the city of New York.
“It embraces people of all ethnic backgrounds by providing opportunities to enrich their lives, both in terms of their mental and physical health and also by interacting alongside each other, in turn making for a better community,” Spatola said.