By Tiziano Thomas Dossena
A successful and exciting Fundraiser Luncheon for the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum took place on Saturday, November 9th, in the lovely catering hall LI GRECI’S STAATEN of Staten Island.
After the Welcome given by the Comm. Joseph Sciame and the Pledge of Allegiance recited by Marianne Bortone Prince, followed the Italian and USA national Hymns, sung by Antonio Guarna, and the Invocation and International Greetings.
Throughout the afternoon, Michael G. Polo, National President of OSDIA, Comm. Joseph Sciame, President of the Sons of Italy Foundation, and Biagio Isgro Jr, State President, NYOSDIA, alternated with various greetings and presentations.
Mary Beth Lavin presented an 1885 photograph of her grandfather Polifonte Morelli standing next to Antonio Meucci, in front of his house, now the site of the Museum, taken at the original location. She generously donated the photograph to the Museum.
The honorees were then introduced, one at a time. William Sanfilippo, outgoing GMM Commissioner, Carol Decina, Chairwoman of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Mark Erlenwein, Principal of the Staten Island Technical School, and Adriana Triggiani, Bestselling author and filmmaker rotated on stage, delighting everyone with their interesting stories.
It was a pleasant surprise that all honorees had a strong sense of humor and kept everyone’s attention alive through their speeches.
Congratulations to the Luncheon committee for their choices of food, venue, Honorees, and music.
The event continued at the site of the Museum, with a champagne toast to honor the opening of a new exhibit: “Iconic Crossings: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Pulse of 1964”.
For further information on the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, please visit: GaribaldiMeucciMuseum.com
GALLERY
