The Lido Civic Club General Membership Meeting for April took place at Alfios (Chevy Chase, MD). It wasn't simply a chance to have some good food and catch up with each other, it was a chance for the club to help others, expand our membership and connect with our past.
Each month, at least one charity is presented with a $5000 check in keeping with our belief that as we are members of the larger DC community, we have an obligation not only to help our own members but to assist others.
First, the club presented a $5000 check to the National Veteran Small Business Education Foundation. The foundation compliments NVSBC’s membership and advocacy by providing opportunities such as mentorship and training. A second $5000 check went to the San Miguel School. This is an independent, Catholic middle school dedicated to providing students with a high-quality, tuition-free education to help transform their lives.
Second, three new members were inducted: Matthew Agresti, Giuseppe Mastroeli and Anthony Ruggiero.
Finally, we were pleased to have author Richard "Philly Rich" Leto as our guest speaker. Over forty-five members and guests heard him speak about his family roots based on his book My Italian-American Roots. Rich spoke about how a simple cardboard box kept for years in his parents' basement provided a glimpse into his family's past. Many of the members connected with his story of humble beginnings and hard work.
