A reception to thank the "Founders" of Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center Inc. for their continued support was held this weekend in the Casa Italiana Hall. The guests were welcomed by Fr. Sergio Dall'Agnese, new Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, and President Francesco Isgrò, who noted CISC's many accomplishments in its short existence.

He then introduced Ciro DeFalco as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Elizabeth DiGregorio, volunteer director of our Italian American Museum of Washington DC (IAMDC), who gave brief remarks. On behalf of the Lido Civic Club, President Rich DiPippo and past president Phil Finelli, presented a $20,000 donation to CISC Inc., and $10,000 to the Casa Italiana Language School.

President Isgrò also announced that Commendatore Robert Facchina, who was unable to attend, has made a generous pledge to help establish a new grant program for college students to carry out research and other projects that further the mission of CISC and IAMDC.

At the conclusion, President Isgrò was presented with a special award by General Paolo Ruggiero, Italian Army Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, for his contributions toward relations with Italy.