In February, the Verona Chapter of UNICO National, the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States, held its annual Sunday Gravy Dinner. Close to 100 people attended the event. The proceeds of the dinner were donated to Church of the Holy Spirit ($1,000) for regular use of their space, and $3,000 to the Lawrence family after the death of their daughter Kelly Lawrence.

Mickey Lawrence, Kelly’s mom, is a member of UNICO Verona and keeps the group in order. As the secretary, Mickey oversees all internal communication with membership and makes sure the club is getting things done. Dr. Tom Malanga, current president of UNICO Verona, says “Mickey is the heart and soul of the organization and we get so much accomplished because of her efforts.”