(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joe Yekulis for the information in this story.)
The Italian American Club of Livonia held its 23rd annual dinner/dance fundraiser at its Banquet Center on Sunday April 29 to benefit St. Louis Center.
Led by chairwoman Mary Galasso, past president of the IACL, more than 200 people were present to enjoy a wonderful gourmet dinner of Chicken Florentine, Penne Pasta with Palomino sauce, and twice baked potatoes prepared by Chef Nandi.
The day began with Mass in the lower level with Fr. Enzo Addari, SdC. as celebrant at noon, and participants enjoyed a silent auction, mini-bar raffle, and a gift raffle during the event.
After dinner, guests enjoyed gelato from Carvel’s, delicacies from Dunia Sweets, homemade Italian cookies baked by club members, and fruit from Joe’s Produce.
Deacon Mike Martin of St. Mary Parish received the St. Louis Guanella Humanitarian Award. The award was for his spiritual work with the poor on the streets of Flint. He shared his experiences of helping the homeless, bringing people back to the faith and teaching job skills to help many become employable.
Following the Guanellian Award, Maria Harris, chair of the Italian American Club Charitable Foundation, made a donation of $5,000 to assist the needs of St. Louis Center.
Finally, the popular Amici Band performed for the crowd and brought people to their feet while performing “classics” from the 70’s and some of the crowd’s favorite traditional Italian music. Traditionally, this event has been a benefit to defray the expenses of the St. Louis Center transportation program, including the purchase and maintenance of vehicles, the cost of fuel, and the salary of a driver for the residents.
For more information about St. Louis Center, please visit www.stlouiscenter.org.
