Fifteenth Winter Charity Ball

On Friday, January 25^th, the New York Grand Lodge Foundation honored three outstanding Italian Americans.  We were proud and privileged to honor our own National President Alfred A. Affinito from the great state of California … along with George A. Grasso, First Deputy Police Commissioner of the NYPD and Joseph A. Rienzi, President of the Rienzi Foundation for Cochlear Implant Research.

The Winter Charity Ball has come full circle since its inception fifteen years ago and continues to be 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 and much socializing with so many friends of OSIA. 

We were honored to have so many visiting guests with us including National Executive Council Members - National First Vice President Joseph DiTrapani, National 3^rd Vice President Dorothy Berlandi, National Immediate Past President Vincent Sarno, National Orator Francis Recchuiti, National Treasurer Louis C. Ambrosio and National Executive Director Philip Piccigallo.  National Past Presidents in attendance were Paul S. Polo, Joanne L. Strollo, Peter R. Zuzolo and Joseph Sciame.  And … we were delighted to have the following visiting State Presidents with us along with members of their state lodges:  State President of Massachusetts Florence Ferullo Kane, State President of New Jersey Thomas A. Bergbauer, Jr., and State President of Pennsylvania Vincent Turco!

The program opened with the National and Italian Anthems so beautifully sung by OSIA member Micheal Costaldo … an award winning song writer/producer and recording artist.  Micheal graciously entertained us with a few songs throughout the evening’s event.

Kudos were extended to Charity Ball Chairperson Annette Lankewish along with the entire Winter 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 glowing with beautiful flowers and candles from table to table!

Reverend R. Adam Forno … New York OSIA’s spiritual leader … delivered the invocation by providing words of hope and prayer.  We have come to know Fr. Forno as a man of God who understands the Italian heart … and all of us.

First Deputy Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department George A. Grasso … received a Special Recognition Award for “leading the way” as a true Italian American role model.  Mr. Grasso has devoted much of his life to the people of New York City by ensuring their safety and, in doing so, he makes all Italian Americans proud to call him one of their very own!

Joseph A. Rienzi, President of the Rienzi Foundation for Cochlear Implant Research received our Special Humanitarian Award.  Mr. Rienzi’s mission is to create richer life opportunities for individuals with significant hearing impairment by raising awareness of innovative treatment and funding for groundbreaking research at the NYU Cochlear Implant Center.  Nancy DiFiore Quinn, President of the New York Grand Lodge Foundation was proud to present Joseph Rienzi with a check for $5,000 to assist in continued cochlear implant research.

Last – but never least in our hearts – we honored the newly elected National President of the Order Sons of Italy in America … Alfred A. Affinito!  President Affinito is the 32^nd President of OSIA and serves all of us proudly.  Known for his gentlemanly manner, he is a leader who sincerely believes in “reasonableness, cooperation and cordiality”!  We are confident that OSIA will make great strides with President Affinito at the helm.

In expressing appreciation to the guests that evening, Foundation President Nancy DiFiore Quinn stated “Any benevolent foundation is only as good as its income allows it to be.  That income needs to be sustained and to be built on by the vision and generosity of our many friends who continue to support this charity ball year after year.”

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 celebrating with you again next year at our sixteenth annual event!