In September, Angelo Cassaro, president of the Italian American Club of Southern Nevada, presented Basil Russo with a Lifetime Honoring Membership for his efforts to promote national unity among Italian Americans. Russo, president of ISDA and COPOMIAO, encouraged club members to preserve and celebrate their heritage by passing it on to younger generations.

The Italian American Club in Las Vegas was established in 1960, famously raffling off a Cadillac convertible donated by Frank Sinatra to raise funds to acquire the property. Now in its 64th year, the club has a rich history that includes every Italian American entertainer who has performed in Vegas. Its walls are adorned with hundreds of photos of entertainers and celebrities who have visited.