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About Filitalia International
Pasquale F. Nestico, M.D. and a group
of Italian-Americans founded Filitalia in 1987. In 1991 Filitalia had
reached National scope with the addition of several Chapters in the Northeastern United States. By April of 2007
Filitalia reached International Status. Currently there are several
chapters throughout Europe and Canada.
Our Mission
Filitalia International exists to preserve and defend the
Italian Heritage and Culture by encouraging the study of the Italian
Language and providing educational events for the community. The word
“Filitalia” means ‘love for Italy’.
Our Plan
Help young Italian Americans through our extensive scholarship
program. Encourage the study of Italian Language and Culture throughout
the world. Promote networking events for the Italian American youth and
professionals. We will solidify Italian American Culture through
Italian sports events, social events, and humanitarian events.
Filitalia Activities, Language & Tradition
-Italian Language Lessons-
Filitalia offers Italian language classes in 5 week sessions. Classes
range from Beginner to Advanced. We have four sessions per year during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
We also offer Italian Cooking Classes and plan to expand our courses
even further.
-Academic Scholarships –
Scholarships are awarded to students at many different levels of
education and for many different fields of study. Currently we offer 24
different scholarships to members and non-members of Filitalia. Also
new in 2011 is our Student Exchange Program for qualified students from
both the United States
and Italy
to experience a cultural and lingual immersion for 2 weeks a year.
-Columbus Day Parade-
Every year Filitalia celebrates the great Italian explorer, Christopher
Columbus by walking in the Columbus Day Parade. We carry flags and a
banner for each Chapter in Filitalia. After the parade we open our
center for the Annual Wine & Soppressata
Contest. Judges and participants taste each of the contestant’s
homemade wines and soppressata, a fun day for
the entire family.
- Festa della Repubblica- Italian National Day Italian Street Festival
Every first Sunday of June, Filitalia International &
Foundation under the auspice of the Italian General Consulate of
Philadelphia, hold an Italian
Street Festival on East Passyunk Avenue in
the Heart of South Philadelphia, outside of its’ center. The event
brings thousands of people whom love and support the Italian culture,
offering food, entertainment, games and Italian novelty items. This
event marks the Birth of the Italian
Republic after
WWII.
-Charity & Community-
-Filitalia International Christmas Seals Program –
The 2011 “Filitalia International Christmas Seal” was a huge success.
The monetary donations for the 135 needy families, as of today, as well
as toys and clothes for 156 of their children, received from our
members and friends, were immensely appreciated by all recipients. All
these, compared with 22 families in 2006, 36 in 2007, 40 in 2008, 80 in
2009, 86 in 2010 gives us an increment of 57% compared to last year.
Each family
received a $50.00 gift certificate to a supermarket plus toys, bikes,
clothes for 156 children (compared with 56 children in 2007, 85 in
2008, 121 in 2009, 126 in 2010) for an increment of almost 30% from
last year.
Networking & Motivation
-Meet and build rapport with successful Italian-American
professionals.
Join
Filitalia’s Linked In Networking group.
-Annual Young Professional Networking Banquet
This is a great opportunity to meet other business professionals and
hone your networking skills in a friendly environment.
Culture & Cuisine
-Wine and food tasting events
Italy
is home to some of the oldest wine producing regions in the world. The
Etruscans and Greeks produced wine long before the Romans started
developing their own vineyards. Currently, there are over 1 million
vineyards in cultivation. Filitalia holds several events throughout the
year to bring the experience of Italian wine to you.
-Art and Music Events-
The Art of Italy has influenced everything from sculpture, to
architecture and design throughout the world. A long history,
and wealth of art is displayed throughout Italy and the world. The
Italians are credited for many techniques used throughout art and
music, i.e. chiaroscuro (a contrast between light and dark in painting)
allegro (the tempo a musical piece should be played at). Filitalia
holds many events throughout the year to expand knowledge of the
vibrant and exciting history of art and music in Italy.
-Pasta Making Event
The South Philadelphia Chapter each year holds a
homemade pasta making event at the center on East Passyunk Avenue.
It is open to members and non members alike willing to learn this
ancient tradition of pasta making. At the end of the pasta making
everyone sits down to enjoy the family style pasta that they just made.
Sports
The “Giovanni Monterosso Bocce
Tournament”
An ageless game, Bocce Ball has been played since the ancient Romans.
Beginning with the Emperor Augustus, bocce became the sport of
Statesmen and Rulers. The first Bocce League was formed in Italy
in 1947. That same year was the first Bocce World Championships. Thanks
to the early Italian immigrants, today we have a thriving Bocce scene
in America
as well. Every year Filitalia holds a Bocce Tournament in September where
each chapter sends a team to compete for the trophy.
The “Franco Ceraso Foosball Tournament”
Although this sport was created in the United Kingdom, it has become a great pastime of many Italians.
Perhaps it is because of the love of soccer in Italy that
this game became so popular. Every April, Filitalia International holds
a foosball tournament after our annual Convention. Each chapter sends
their best players in hope of achieving 1st place.
Recognition
Annual Gala Dinner Awards held at Celebrations in Bensalem PA.
-Citizenship Award
This award is presented to individuals who have shown a significant
contribution to the community.
-Education & Leadership Award
This prestigious award is given to an individual of Italian descent who
has given significant contributions and demonstrates incredible
leadership skills in the field of education.
-Humanitarian Award
This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary
acts, in helping the poor, the sick, and needy
people.
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