Gala honouring Lavey

Sons of Italy of Canada raise funds for bursary programme.

The Sons of Italy of Canada organized a gala event, The Golden Lion Evening, on April 5th in the luxurious hall at Club Italia in Niagara Falls. The main objective of the evening was to raise funds to finance the Josephine Lavey bursary programme.
The late Lavey, active in the organization and a member since 1947, acted as the grand administrative secretary from 1951 until her death in April 1973.
Many distinguished individuals were in attendance among the two honoured guests minister of Istituzioni Finanziarie Maurizio Bevilacqua and the chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Giuliano Zaccardelli. Lillo Puma, honourable Vice Consul of Italy in Niagara Falls, brought greetings from the Italian Ambassador in Ottawa, Marco Colombo, and from Consul General of Italy in Toronto Luca Brofferio. Also participating in the gala were Gary Pillitteri, Niagara Falls MP, Tony Valeri, Stoney Creek MP, Bart Maves, MPP of Niagara Falls, Way Thomson, Mayor of Niagara Falls, Vincenzo Bueti, national president of Sons of Italy, Juliana Pinizotto and the beautiful Miss Club Italia 2003.
The night began with the national anthems of Italy and Canada sung by Ashley Galari and Andrew Kyriacou. Multitudes of letters were read carrying greetings and messages. These letters included messages from Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Ontario Premier Ernie Eves and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer.
A grand toast to Italy and Canada by Joe Maggiolo, Club Italia president, officially opened the evening. Pillitteri, Maves, Thomson and Puma followed by welcoming the two distinguished guests and at their request monsignor Vincent Ferrando accepted to say the opening prayer before dinner.
The ex-president of the Club, Charles Criminisi, and Fernando Forcucci, vice president, introduced chief minister of the Mounted Police to present his keynotes.
The two leading members of the community praised the first Italian immigrants that arrived in Halifax at the famous Pier 21 with their luggage tied with a rope. They emphasized the hard work put into this land, their attachment to their family and the tenacity they had to give their children a better future. The new generation, brilliant and successful, is the fruit from their difficult sacrifices. Also to their merit are the many longed for successes that were attained in Canadian society.
A standing ovation was given by over three hundred guests at the end of the speeches and was accompanied by an endless roaring applause. Shortly after, monsignor Vincenzo Bueti took the microphone to thank the distinguished honoured guests for their participation in that evening.
The partying began, but before the dancing got underway Santo Rustico and Josie Cumbo presented the two prestigious guests a certificate that is proof of the evening. A joyful night ensued with the Three A's orchestra and in everyone's eyes it was a great success and Club Italia deserves the first and highest credit for it.

Publication Date: 2003-04-20
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2624