March 29, 2024

Congratulations to the 2018 Lido Civic Club Scholarship winners! At a reception held on June 21, at the Italian Embassy, the Chair of the Lido Civic Club Scholarship Committee, Francesco Isgro, officially announced the winners of a total of $60,000 in scholarships.

2018 Lido Scholarship winners
2018 Lido Scholarship winners

The talented young scholarship winners are: Domenic Allegra, Bridget Bagileo, Ethan Casserino, Nina Dorsett, Anthony Fiora, Matthew Fairbanks, Gaia Mirien, Chiara O’Neill, Patrizia Manziano, and Isabella Parrotta, and Angelo-Gabriele Tundo. Gaia and Patrizia were the winners of the Angelo Caputo and Frank Trimboli Scholarship and were presented a plaque by Lido Club President Tom Regnante. Ethan Casserino, winner of the Domenic Antonelli, Jr. Scholarship, also received a plaque.

Francesco opened the evening by welcoming the guests and thanking Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio for granting the Lido Club use of the Embassy for the 7th Annual Scholarship Awards Reception. Francesco then introduced the Italian Embassy’s Minister Plenipotentiary, Catherine Flumiani, noting her outstanding support of the Lido Civic Club and other Italian and Italian American organizations. Minister Flumiani thanked the Lido Club for its continuing work in helping to promote Italian language programs and culture in the Washington area.

President Regnante then welcomed the guests and recognized Maria Fosco, Director of the Education Program at the Italian Embassy, and Julia Streisfeld, NIAF’s Director of the Scholarship Program. He recognized, in particular, Lido Club member and Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Donald Loren, who has been nominated to receive the 2018 Lido Civic Club Public Service Award.Phil Finelli, co-chair of the Lido Club Golf Committee presented a grant of $10,000, raised by the Lido Italian-American Open Golf Tournament, to Joseph Lupo and Fr. Ezio Marchetto, President and Chairman respectively of the Casa Italiana Language School.

The evening’s principal sponsor was Damian Gallina and the Buttonwood Financial Advisors. Damian is the Chair of the Lido Civic Club Scholarship Investment Committee. The sustaining sponsors were Angelo and Millie Puglisi. Other Lido Club member/sponsors were: Paul Biciocchi and Forum Properties; Jerry Truman and Truman Wealth Management; Enzo Fragomeni and the Insurance Exchange; John Urciolo and the Takoma Metro Shopping Center; Charles Russo and the Money Mailer, and Building Homes for Heroes; Bob Baldassari and Matthews Cartet and Boyce; and Daniel Stabile and Stabile Educational Consultants. Thanks also to the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center, and Oro Catering, as well as the numerous individual supporters.

Father Ezio Marchetto, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, gave the benediction at the Embassy event. The catering was done by Lido Club Member Francesco Marra’s Oro Catering. The photographer for the evening was Mia Finelli.

The Lido Civic Club Scholarships are matched by the National Italian American Foundation, and we thank them for their continuing support.