Bella Italia Market Volunteers Thanked at Casa Italiana Reception

By Nancy DeSanti

The success of the Bella Italia Market was officially recognized during a reception at Casa Italiana on May 26, 2019. The Market, which took place in December 2018, raised $15,000 for the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center (CISC). As the volunteers and members of the community looked on, the symbolic check was held up by CISC President Francesco Isgrò and by Franca Bartoli, the fashion designer who was the creator and driving force behind the market. As Francesco commented, “it took a village” to make the event such a success, and many in that village were AMHS members (including Francesco himself).

Two of the three board members present were AMHS members — Anna Isgrò and Nancy DeSanti. Welcoming remarks were made by Father Ezio Marchetto, who complimented the volunteers for organizing an event that presented the best of Italian culture, in food, art, ceramics, fashion and design.

After remarks by Francesco and Franca, the volunteers and community were invited to enjoy the elegantly presented refreshments catered by Simonetta Baldassari, who did a wonderful job of decorating the Casa for the Bella Italia Market event. At the opening ceremony December 1 with Minister Domenico Bellantone from the Embassy of Italy, President Ray LaVerghetta and Immediate Past President Maria D’Andrea-Yothers represented AMHS (a sponsor of the event). AMHS members who contributed greatly to the success of the Bella Italia Market include (in alphabetical order):

• Peter Bell

• Jim Cocco

• Julie & Corrado Dal Forno

• Liz DiGregorio

• Nancy Hurst

• Lena Lupica

• Joe Lupo

• Maria Marigliano

• Willy Meaux

• Lynn Sorbara

• Lourdes Tinajero