Dear Friends of Casa Italiana,
As 2018 draws to a close, I would like to update you on our progress in constructing a financial foundation for the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center, as well as to thank you for your interest in supporting our mission “to promote and preserve the Italian American heritage for future generations in the greater Washington, DC area.” Since our incorporation in June, 2017, we Board Members have worked on a voluntary capacity to build an endowment fund for Casa Italiana to sustain its work into the future. Last year we established the Founders Capital Fund, to which donors pledge $5,000 payable within three years. We are pleased to say that we are now very close to accomplishing our initial goal of raising $500,000 from 100 Founders. To date 85 Founders, whose names will be etched on the wall of the new building, have entrusted us to carry out our mission. We are especially grateful to entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert Facchina, who has generously gifted $250,000 to establish an Italian American Museum (IAMDC) at Casa Italiana. Named in his honor, the museum will focus on contributions by Italians and Italian Americans in the greater D.C. area. We think it’s fitting that our opening project, The Marconi Project, preserves and shares experiences of local Italian immigrants, making their rich histories available for generations to come. Earlier this year, in our first sponsored cultural event, we hosted Italian musicians Trio Dante, who performed classical Italian music to an audience of 100 delighted guests. The first weekend in December, we sponsored the Bella Italia Market, a showcase of quality Italian products and services. The two-day event attracted about 1,400 visitors to Casa Italiana’s halls, fostering considerable goodwill among friends, neighbors and many who were not aware of Casa Italiana’s presence. The event also raised more than $12,000 to support planned future programs. None of this would have been possible but for the vision of Fr. Ezio Marchetto, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, and Chairman of the Board of Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center. In the midst of the huge Capitol Crossing development, Fr. Ezio saw a unique opportunity to establish a separate non-profit entity to promote and preserve our Italian-American legacy.
The excitement is building as the opening of the expanded Center is now expected in early fall 2019. To reach our goal of 100 Founders we still need pledges from 15 additional donors for $5,000, payable within three years. We are certain that with supportive friends like you we will soon reach our goal. We are excited about this ambitious and worthy project, and hope that you will join us in the “Founders Club.”
On behalf of our Casa Italiana family, we wish you a blessed Christmas season and a wonderful 2019.
Mille grazie,
Francesco Isgrò President & CEO
Pictured above, Dennis Santoli, Robert Facchina, Francesco Isgro