'Tis The Season Of Parties - 'Tis The Season For Giving

Ciao a tutti,

'Tis the Season of Parties and the Season for Giving. It is so wonderful how during this season the two come together so beautifully. I have actually stayed away from parties this season and come to think of it, have not gone to a one. I am not sure why exactly.

It is not because I am a hum bug. I really love this season and enjoy my friends, family and socializing too, but for some reason, besides being busy, going to parties has not been a priority as it has in past years.

This one party, the first I went to all season so far, was special because it felt to me that people were having a party to really give, and give from the heart. Of course, it had Italian-American written all over it, and Christmas, and GIVING. It was the "Adopt A Family Christmas Luncheon," which was to "help to make this Christmas Season a little brighter for families of the United States Marine Corps."

It was put on by the Curci Asset Management Co. and the Lido Peninsula Co. and the food was sponsored by Sabatino's Sausage Company. The whole thing was coordinated by Sandy DiGiovanni of the Curci Companies, who personally invited me, and I was only too happy to oblige.

I had never been down to that part of town, what a beautiful area it is. And it was so great to see people from all walks of life, careers and families and friends coming together for some good Italian food and lots of good cheer.

In fact, one of the people helping raise that Christmas Spirit was Pete Villani who was the singer for the occasion. He is known as the "Vocalist of the 'Classics'" and is a regular at Sabatino's. He is pictured here with Sam Romeo, the Maitre d' at Sabatino's for years. Here I am pictured with the two of them, Pete and Sam.

At the top of the post is a picture of John Curci and I, and just below that, the two of us with Sandy DiGiovanni.



Below I am pictured with the owner of Sabatino's, Mr. Pete Sabatino himself, and below that with Bill Brown, also of the Curci Companies.

So great to have met everyone and to have spent the time together for a good cause while enjoying our high Christmas Spirits.

Buon Natale,

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of Italians and Christmas, I found this interesting video on Youtube of the Christmas movie "Polar Express." It is one of the sweet moments in the animated feature in which the children sing "When Christmas Comes To Town," only this is the Italian version and in this clip, they sing it in Italian. (In Italian)