STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Wagner College’s DaVinci Society kicked off its observance of Italian Heritage Month by hosting its 18th annual Scholarship Dinner Gala in Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn Thursday evening, where more than 500 well wishers set a record for the highest attendance to date.
The dinner gala that made its debut in 2004, traditionally serves as a way to showcase Italian culture and recognizes the accomplishments and significant contributions of Italian-Americans and acknowledges the impact they’ve had on America throughout its storied history.
The fundraising event, which serves as a major fundraiser in order that scholarships can be awarded to Staten Island Italian-American students attending Wagner College, was chaired by West Brighton attorney Robert Scamardella.
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“It is an honor to welcome all of you here tonight to the 18th annual DaVinci Scholarship Dinner,” Scamardella said. “The organization raises funds to award scholarships to Italian-American students and the dinner helps us to extend our mission.”
After acknowledging dignitaries and community leaders, Scamardella credited Michael Pinto, an attorney and founder of The Minty Organization, for his expertise in producing the musical portion of the evening’s event.
“Thank you to members of the Executive Committee of the DaVinci Society,” he continued. “These are the people who make this organization go. In addition to being a generous lot, they comprise a group of outstanding individuals with whom it is my honor to be associated.”
Scamardella would then offer kudos to Kaitlyn Girton, executive director of development at Wagner College, for another superb job in organizing the event.
The National Anthem was sung by Charlie (Romo) Poveromo, a Wagner College grad and one of the recipients of last year’s DaVinci Society Community Service Award.
Wagner College students and members of the In the Wings Theatre Organization also performed popular…
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