On March 13, 2022, Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches celebrated its 45^th Anniversary Gala at The Breakers Palm Beach Resort. The 45th Anniversary Gala was organized by the Gala Co-Chairs Antonella Brancaccio-Balzano and Chris Salamone. President Paul G. Finizio delivered the Welcome and Mission Statement speech and then handled the podium to the co-chairs who run the program flawlessly.

Co-chair Antonella Brancacccio expressed words of appreciation for the incredible response from the guests and sponsors selling out the Gala a month before the event.  While co-chair Chris Salamone pointed out how people in general were excited to go back to normality and be part of the Gala after 2 years of pause due to covid.  

The honorees this year were the Consul General of Italy in Miami Honorable Cristiano Musillo, former professional baseball player Mike Pagliarulo, Yellow Ribbon Fund Executive Director Gina Harrow, and U.S. Army decorated Captain Ben Harrow.

This year’s Gala sponsors are Anthony and Dorothy Bardaro Charities Foundation, John Di Prato, John F. Scarpa Foundation, Horizon Public Adjusters, La Masseria, Worth Ave Association, The Paul Finizio Family and Law Firm, Cav. Vivian Cardia, Blastness U.S.A., and the National Italian American Foundation.

The Gala program for this year included the cocktail and Tuscan antipasto reception in the Mediterranean courtyard, live auctions, dinner and dancing with the extraordinary Gino De Marco Orchestra in the Mediterranean ballroom, and special guest America’s Got Talent opera singer Carlo De Antonis who performed both national anthems and “Nessun dorma.”

The Mediterranean room was elegantly decorated with ivory flowers, crystal candelabra and toupee table cloths. Green, red, and white lights were projected on the columns in honor Italy. Local and international journalists were busy interviewing the VIP’s and honorees.  Most Reverend Gerald Barbarito, Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach sent an invocation letter to thank Il Circolo and especially the Gala chairs for its contributions to Italian culture and heritage. The crowd danced under the iconic “Volare” and “My Way”. Most all Il Circolo had a very successful fundraising event benefitting local universities and other institutions that promote the Italian culture and legacy.