The Winter Charity Ball has become one of the Foundation’s premier annual events and this year over 250 guests were in attendance.  The affair was held at the elegant Chateau Briand in Carle Place with an abundance of luscious food and great music.  The program opened with the National and Italian Anthems so beautifully sung by Anthony Piranio, a wonderfully talented Italian American who not only sang the anthems ... but graciously entertained us with a few songs throughout the evening’s event.
 
This year we celebrated New York OSIA’s 100th Anniversary and paid tribute to the leaders who enabled us to reach such a celebrated occasion.  It is because of their vision, commitment to OSIA and leadership abilities that we will continue to celebrate for many years to come.  Current State President Salvatore Lanzilotta was lauded for his strong commitment to OSIA by promoting the goals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.  He has dedicated himself to promoting the Italian language on all levels of education and serves with pride and distinction.
 
Humanitarian honorees ... Thomas and Claudette Valenti are also leaders.  They are leaders in business and in their many charitable endeavors.  Proprietors of Piccolo Ristorante in Bellmore and Carle Place ... together they have been champions for various benevolent organizations especially Breast Cancer Research.
 
We were honored to have many visiting dignitaries in attendance including Deputy Consul General Laura Aghilarre representing the Office of the Consulate General of Italy in New York.   Ms. Aghilarre spoke about the importance of celebrating our Italian heritage and culture and thanked the Order Sons of Italy in America for being such an important part of the Italian American community.
 
Kudos were extended to Charity Ball Chairperson Annette Lankewish and Co-Chairperson Madeline Matteucci along with the entire Winter Charity Ball and Journal committee … for working together to present a beautiful commemorative journal along with an exceptionally social and financially successful affair