The Gulf Coast Italian-American Cultural Society held their annual ‘Columbus Day Dinner’ this evening at the Silver Slipper Casino. Former Mayor of Atherton, California and President of the Southeast Italian Federation Charles Marsala was the keynote speaker. Every year at the dinner, several GCIAS members are recognized as an “Italian American Who Made Good.”

Marsala tells News 25 that he’s honored to be included in an event amongst so many great southern Italians. “We have so many that are great, with so much energy. They’re so welcoming with the food. They called, they said we heard about you and would you come talk with us about the federation.”