Fourteenth Winter Charity Ball by Nancy DiFiore Quinn
On Friday, January 26th, the New York Grand Lodge Foundation honored three outstanding Italian Americans. We were proud and privileged to honor our spiritual leader, New York OSIA’s State Chaplain, Reverend R. Adam Forno; Salvatore J. Cassano, Chief of Department for the New York City Fire Department and Charles Prizzi, Chief Development Officer of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory … and a member of the Centennial Lodge No. 2828 of New York City.
The Winter Charity Ball has become one of New York OSIA’s premier events of the year. There was an abundance of luscious food at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place, great music (by DJay Joey & Co.)and much socializing with so many friends of OSIA. We were honored to have so visiting guests with us including National President Vincent Sarno and First Lady Paula Sarno; National 1st Vice President Valentine Ciullo; National Orator Francis Recchuiti, Past National Presidents Paul Polo, Joanne Strollo, Peter R. Zuzolo and Joseph Sciame. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania joined us with a table of guests and we always find it a delight to welcome our National OSIA family to New York! Also in attendance was Councilman Anthony Avella, representative of the 19th District, Northeast Queens.
The program opened with the New York City Fire Department Ceremonial Unit and International Vocal Artist Dominick Mantuano sang the National and Italian Anthems.
Kudos were extended to Charity Ball Chairperson Annette Lankewish and Co-Chairperson Madeline Matteucci … along with the entire Charity Ball and Journal committee … for working together to present a beautiful commemorative journal along with a “long to be remembered” affair. The ballroom was candle lit and the room was glittering from table to table!
Reverend R. Adam Forno was lauded for serving as New York OSIA’s spiritual leader … a man who provides hope and prayer to all of us. Fr. Forno is a man of God who truly understands the Italian American heart. Ordained on August 15, 1987, Fr. Forno holds a Masters of Divinity from the Catholic University of American, Washington, D.C.; Master in Education from the College of St. Rose, Albany; B.A. from Syracuse University. A devout theologian and a leader in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rensselaer … one who has set visions and empowered volunteers throughout his community … Rev. Adam Forno has already made his mark on New York OSIA and will hopefully continue to do so well into the future.
Chief Salvatore J. Cassano received a Special Recognition Award for his exceptional service to the residents of New York City during and after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. After losing many close personal friends and colleagues in the attack, Salvatore Cassano spent tireless hours working to rebuild the New York City Fire Department and due to his direct efforts the department is better trained, equipped and prepared to respond to every type of emergency. He has been cited five times for bravery and was at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. A proud Italian American, Chief Cassano continues with the tradition of Italian Americans in public service and serves as one of the highest-ranking officers within the New York City Fire Department.
Charles Prizzi, Chief Development Officer of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory works diligently at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory … a world-renowned cancer and neuroscience research institution. Founded in 1890, the Laboratory is a private, non-profit institution with research programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant genetics, genomic and bioinformatics and a broad educational mission. Mr. Prizzi is directly involved in raising funds to support its research and educational programs as well as endowment and capital funds. He serves on the boards of the Thomas Hartman Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation. Proud of their Italian heritage … both Charlie and his wife Nicole have recently become members of the Centennial Lodge No. 2820, New York City. President of the New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Carlo Matteucci presented Charles Prizzi with a check totaling $2,000 for additional research at the laboratory. The Foundation has already donated over $10,000 to the laboratory in the past few years.
During the evening we were graciously entertained by Dominick Mantuano. Also entertaining us were four members of OSIA’s Centennial Lodge No. 2828 … JoAnn Robertozzi (President of the Lodge), Micheal Castaldo, Theresa Sareo and Lorraine Ferro. Grazie … and Bravo to all our entertainers!!
Many thanks again to our honorees and for everyone who attended this event. Each of you helped to make this an unforgettable and elegant occasion. We look forward to next years Fifteenth Anniversary Charity Ball!
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