STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation hosted its annual Christmas party at the Grand Oaks Country Club. The holiday soiree saw more than 150 revelers while raising funds at the Huguenot banquet venue.
Anthony Ottombriano, Dr. Vincent DeGennaro and Louis Barbera. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Kicking off the holiday event was the quick-witted WCBS-FM 101.1 deejay Joe Causi, a member of the Italian Club, who assumed the role of master of ceremonies and opened the program with Joseph Santigate, chairman of the Christmas party.
Carmine Manna, center, vice president, and members of Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
The event, where martinis flowed and Italian specialties were plentiful, translates into one of the Italian Club’s major fundraisers.
From the left, Josephine Genovese, Anthony Maniscalco, and Lucille Causi. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Proceeds support its good works that include presenting college scholarships to deserving high school seniors, as well as contributions to local charities.
Members of The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation Inc. at its annual Christmas party. From the left, Councilmember Frank Morano, Frank Fontaino, Johnny Potenza and William Marco. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Throughout the course of the evening, checks were donated to several representatives of non-profit organizations including the Staten Island University Hospital Pediatric Care Unit, St. Edward’s Pantry, Catholic Charities, and Parkside Land Development Corp (LDC).
Greg Magras, left, and Joseph Zichittella, right, of the Italian Club, donate a check to Diane Irvine, Allison Pinar, and Janine DiMonda, of the Staten Island University Hospital Pediatric Care Unit. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Greg Magras, left and Joseph Zichittella, present a check to Margaret Moschetto of St. St. Edward’s Pantry. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
From the left, Greg Magras presents a check to Claire Atalla and Anthony Cerverizzo of Catholic Charities. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Greg Magras, Kathleen Bielsa, of the Parkside Land Development Corp (LDC) and Joseph Zichittella. Bielsa was the recipient of a check from the Italian Club for her organization. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
“In June, we held our Diamond Jubilee Gala, marking 75 years of philanthropy, and today we are celebrating our 75th Christmas party,” said Joseph Zichittella, president of the organization. “I am honored to be the president of this fantastic organization.”
Joseph Zichittella, president of the Italiain Club, center and members of the club..(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
At The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation’s annual Christmas party at the Grand Oaks Country Club are from the left, Joe Santigate, chairman, Carmine Manna, vice president, Joseph Zichittella, president, Greg Magras, cochair, Harold Verde, committee member, and Joe Causi, master of ceremonies. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Olivia Manna (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Lucille and Joe Causi, at The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation’s annual Christmas Party at the Grand Oaks Country Club. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
He went on to recognize “Our master of ceremonies, Joe Causi, singer Olivia Manna, singer Victoria Amodeo, singer Vinnie Medugno, singer Charlie Romo, the ICOSIF committee chairmen and their teams, the Board of Directors, the Executive Board, lifetime directors, and members.”
Victoria Amodeo, The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation Inc.held it’s annual Christmas Party at the Grand Oaks Country Club. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Lenore and Al Lambert at The Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation’s annual Christmas party at the Grand Oaks Country Club. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
“Previously, we awarded $8,000 in scholarships,” Zichittella reported. “In April, we awarded $21,500 to students of Italian lineage. Thanks to our chairman, Rob Marraccino, and his team for a successful event.”
The Italian Club just completed its annual food drive.
“Marc Tranchina and his team did an excellent job ordering the food, contacting the recipients, delivering the food, packing the food, and organizing delivery to 27 food banks. Several brothers offered their company trucks to help give 1,000 bags of food to various Food Banks. We had approximately 50 volunteers from the club and family members to help. And tonight, our chairman, Joe Santigate, and his team planned the entire Christmas party.”
The Italian Club has inducted 40 new members and 10 in the pipeline for next month, Zichittella continued.
“We have 40 members under 40. So, this growth is the future of our club. Our membership chairman, Anthony Maniscalco, and his team have been working nonstop to review and approve all members. In closing, I want to thank Marc Tranchina and his staff for offering a separate room for our cocktail hour and giving us ‘an offer we couldn’t refuse.’ Marc also contributed to our gala and golf outing.”
Members of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation at its Christmas Party at the Grand Oaks Country Club. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Members of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation at its annual Christmas Party at the Grand Oaks Country Club. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
Members of the Italian Club and their wives and friends at the organization’s Christmas Party. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steve White
A LITTLE ABOUT THE ITALIAN CLUB OF STATEN ISLAND FOUNDATION
The Italian Club of Staten Island was founded in 1950 by eight Italian-Americans who not only sought to raise awareness and promote Italian culture, but to raise funds for charitable, philanthropic and educational organizations.
The club has sponsored youth, educational and cultural programs, which have included communion breakfasts, high school mentoring programs, and the recognition of excellence in Italian language study. Most recently, their commitment has been to the Aurora program that teaches Italian culture and Italian language to children in grammar school.
From the original eight, the membership has grown to 150 plus — and over the course of the years well over 1,000 Italian Americans were on the membership roster.