Italian American Civic Association of San Diego (IACA) Holds Annual Christmas Party Fundraiser 2021

 Italian American Civic Association of San Diego (IACA) Holds Annual Christmas Party Fundraiser

The Italian American Civic Association of San Diego (IACA) held their annual Christmas party fundraiser on Sunday, December 12th, 2021. It was held at Gaetano’s Pizza Ristorante in Lakeside, California. This annual party raises funds for the Association itself and for the various charities it supports. Each attendee was asked to bring a non-perishable canned good or item that will be donated to the needy. There were about 40 people in attendance, including IACA officers like President Steve Asaro, Vice President and my good friend James Cardinale-Hill, and Treasurer Errico (Rick) Perrotta. James Cardinale-Hill sang “Felice Navidad,” and a few members at my table sang “Silent Night.” Some members also passed out Christmas cards to each other and the Association presented a gift to the youngest attendee. The cuisine included Fettucine Alfredo and pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, and desserts were Italian cookies, biscotti, and cannoli, among others. Wine was at the tables. The food was delicious and the attention given by the restaurant staff was excellent. The ambience was like that of being in a small country restaurant with an Italian vibe out in the country, which is basically what Gaetano’s is, and was very enjoyable. I do recommend it. The IACA does not have a website or social media presence yet, but is working on that, so for now to get more information and perhaps even to join you may email Rick Perrotta at eaperrottasr@gmail.com. Grazie! Buon Natale!

Contributor Christopher Forte with IACA President Steve Asaro (second from left), VP James Cardinale-Hill (back) and IACA Treasurer Errico (Rick) Perrotta (last on right)

Canned goods and other nonperishable items for the needy brought by attendeesCanned goods and other nonperishable items for the needy brought by attendees

Canned goods and other nonperishable items for the needy brought by attendeesCanned goods and other nonperishable items for the needy brought by attendees

IACA VP James Cardinale-Hill sings “Felice Navidad”

IACA VP James Cardinale-Hill sings “Felice Navidad”

IACA VP James Cardinale-Hill presents a gift sponsored by the Association to the youngest attendee

IACA VP James Cardinale-Hill presents a gift sponsored by the Association to the youngest attendee

The meat and cheeses appetizer buffet

The party was held at Gaetano’s Ristorante in Lakeside, CA

The party was held at Gaetano’s Ristorante in Lakeside, CA

The party was held at Gaetano’s Ristorante in Lakeside, CA
Back to The Italian Californian Main Site

Christmas Tree Lighting in San Diego’s Little Italy 2021

 Christmas Tree Lighting in San Diego’s Little Italy

After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Little Italy San Diego’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Village was back. I was able to capture the Tree Lighting Ceremony that had dignitaries like San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and State Assemblyman Christopher Ward. Other speakers included New City America and Little Italy Association (LIA) Chief Executive Administrator Marco Li Mandri, LIA Board President Steve Galasso, and San Diego City Councilman Stephen Whitburn of District 3. All of them gave updates on the status of the Little Italy neighborhood and encouraged guests to patronize local small businesses. At the end the chief pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, an Italian National Parish, Fr. Joe Tabigue gave a prayer and blessing then helped with the tree lighting countdown, done in Italian of course! You can view the video here. I encourage you to shop and eat in San Diego’s Little Italy this holiday season! Buon Natale!

0