While the rest of the city was in a shamrock haze, Friday was a school night of sorts for La Scuola d’Italia Galileo Galilei. The Italian Language School Cultural Association held its first fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum.
The evening included a dinner followed by a concert with Patrizio Buanne. Among those honored for their contributions to the Italian community in Pittsburgh were Dennis Astorino, Jack Mascaro, Salvatore Merante and former honorary Italian consuls of Pittsburgh Giuseppe D’ Andrea and Carla Lucente.
The dinner program included a video presentation about the school and its future as well as a way to honor family members with plaques. La Scuola’s mission is in part to preserve, promote and spread Italian culture, history, art and language in the region.
Angela Hertz, the school’s executive director, was thrilled with the turnout — 270 people — for this inaugural benefit.
“Tonight we are trying to raise the funds to open the elementary and middle school portions of the school,” she said. “Right now we have an after-school program and an adult program and the early learning center for children from ages 1-6.”
Singer Martina Caruso entertained along with Michael Bernabe before and during dinner.
Supporters included consul general of Italy in Philadelphia Christina Mele, director Katherine Smith, board president Derek Illar Antonucci, curriculum coordinator Valentia Monferini, assistant director Michele Sanna, Eugene DePasquale, Barbara Fisher, Brandon Williams, Samuel Bozzolla and student helpers Michele Marzulli and Sofia Williams.
First Published: March 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
