The Springfield Chapter of UNICO National, the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States, raised $10,000 for the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Tuesday. The fundraiser was one of many the Springfield UNICO holds throughout the year to help local organizations.

Former club president Frank Stirlacci started this fundraiser 32 years ago. He told 22News, “We gave $10,000 tonight to the Mount Carmel new community center. We give to the Grey House and Ronald McDonald House. So whatever we do take from this we just give away.” UNICO is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote and enhance the image of Italian Americans, and to promote Italian heritage and culture. Springfield UNICO provides thousands of dollars in scholarships for students in western Massachusetts.