IAA CHAIRMAN DR. DOMENIC AMARA HONORED AT CIAO DINNER

CIAO celebrates at a Fundraising Dinner. Italian American Alliance, Chairman, Dr. Domenic Amara receives the DaVinci Award of Excellence.

Virginia Gardner 

On May 2, 2025, the Cultural Italian American Organization (CIAO) held its first fundraising celebration dinner. CIAO was founded four years ago by Dr. Paul Sergi of Canton. Since its founding, CIAO has successfully initiated the Italian language program at Canton High School and an adult education program in partnership with the Canton Library.

Virginia Gardner, Chairman of the National Chapter of the Italian American Alliance, Officer of the Pirandello Lyceum, and CIAO Event Coordinator, served as the Master of Ceremonies and interviewer for the evening.



Distinguished keynote speakers included Arnaldo Minuti, Consul General of Italy in Boston; Ivana Marroncelli, Director of the Education Office at the Consulate General of Italy in Boston; and Anthony Sammarco, historian and author. Additional speakers included Dr. Paul Sergi, State Senator Paul Feeney, and State Representative Rob Consalvo.

Dr. Sergi presented the Da Vinci Award of Excellence to the following honorees:

• Domenic Candelari

• Robert Consalvo, Sr.

• Heidi Olson

• Dr. Domenic Amara

Dr. Domenic Amara serves as Chairman of the Italian American Alliance, President of the Pirandello Lyceum, CIAO Officer, and Educational Consultant. Although he was unable to attend the event, Virginia Gardner accepted his distinctively designed Da Vinci Award on his behalf.

Dr. Amara played a pivotal role in developing the curriculum for the CIAO Italian Language School and worked tirelessly to raise funds for the program.

Following the award presentation, Virginia Gardner offered these remarks on behalf of Dr. Amara:

“It is no surprise to me that after meeting with Dr. Paul Sergi and learning of this important Italian language school project, Dr. Amara, without hesitation, volunteered to help. The three most important things to Dr. Amara are family, education, and his Italian heritage.

At the 2023 Pirandello Lyceum Il Migliore Award Ceremony, Dr. Amara delivered a passionate speech. He called on all of us to take up the cause and be warriors and defenders of our heritage. That includes the responsibility to teach the Italian language to our children and grandchildren. He urged us to work to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn the language of their ancestors.

In his speech, he said:

‘With each passing generation, we notice our history, heritage, and the lessons of those who came before us being diluted — or lost altogether. And that brings me to my point: we shouldn’t let that happen. If we do, those who come after us will be the worse for it.’

In closing, Dr. Amara said:

‘The Pirandello Lyceum is just one of many organizations working to preserve our heritage: the Dante Alighieri Society, Sons and Daughters of Italy, Knights of Columbus, National Federation of Italian American Organizations, the North End Historical Society, Augusta Boston, and the Italian American Alliance. There are many more social and religious organizations, all in our immediate area. Any one of them would welcome your participation. I plead with you to seek them out.’

Dr. Amara has dedicated his life to defending, promoting, and teaching the Italian language and culture. I’m sure he would agree: now it’s time for us to do our part.”

CIAO was honored to welcome several distinguished guests, including:

• Nick Maffeo, President of Canton Co-Operative Bank

• Doug Smith, Vice President for Advancement at Stonehill College

• State Representative Robert Consalvo

• State Representative William Galvin

• State Senator Paul Feeney

Proceeds from the dinner will go directly toward enhancing classroom resources and supporting extracurricular materials for both the high school and adult education programs. Dr. Sergi expressed his gratitude to all attendees and sponsors and emphasized that this is only the beginning. “Our goal is to build a sustainable, community-rooted program that inspires future generations. We’re just getting started.”

For those who were unable to attend but would like to support CIAO’s mission, donations are still being accepted. Checks can be made payable to C.I.A.O. and sent to 8 Hickory Lane, Canton, MA 02021. For more information, contact Dr. Paul Sergi at 617-733-7253.

The entire event can be viewed here: