UNICO News: Food pantry donation and purse bingo planned

Posted on October 1, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The UNICO Foundation’s Ralph Torraco Food/Shelter Fund recently donated $500 to the Saint Patrick Food Pantry. The UNICO Foundation is pleased to support such a worthy cause, especially in these challenging times.

Pictured in the Food Pantry at the presentation are, from left: Mark McDade, UNICO Foundation Member; Father Richard Fox, Saint Patrick Parish Pastor; Michael Rescigno, UNICO Foundation Torraco Food/Shelter Fund Committee Chairman, and Frank Blasi, Esq., UNICO Foundation Trustee.

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Keystone Chapter UNICO is conducting a Designer Purse & Cash Prize Bingo Fundraiser on Sunday, October 27 at Saint Mary’s Center, Mifflin Avenue, Scranton with Griffin Pond Animal Shelter as the featured beneficiary. Guests bringing donations of animal items will receive one Special’s Game Card.

Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available at $25 by calling Nan at 570-954-0117, Michele at 570-343-7009, or any Chapter Member. At the door tickets are $30. There will be 20 games, each with three faces, plus four Specials Games, along with food for purchase, a 50/50, and a basket raffle. A Loser’s Table with lightly-used designer bags will be available, selling at $25 each. There are only 300 $20 chances for a Louis Vuitton Designer Purse valued at $1,760. If unable to attend, these tickets are available by calling Gloria at 570-357-6385 and you need not be present to win.

Committee members include, front row from left: Terese Pellegrino and Mary Lou Karliak. Back row: Lenore Latarewicz, Tina Haas, Frank Cicci, Chapter President, Michele and Mark McDade, Cesira Berardelli, Gene and Toni DiVizio, Cathy Bianchi, Cathy Gerard, Bingo Co-chair Gloria Rizzo, Ann Summa and Louise Ligi. Missing from picture is Bingo Co-chair Nan Gramigna.

Documentary screening focusing on Sicilian sulfur miners who came to NEPA

Posted on October 1, 2024 by The Dunmorean

In celebration of Italian Heritage month, at the Scranton Art Haus Cinema, Michael Cavalieri, screen and TV actor/writer/director will present his documentary called, “La Porta Dell’Inferno” (The Door to Hell) on October17. This screening is being sponsored by the Dunmore family of Benfante Picogna; Dunmore businessman Anthony Montaro of Montaro Masonry and Snowplowing, and the Scranton Chapter of UNICO.

The documentary tells of the conditions of sulfur miners in Central Sicily during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. To escape the harsh conditions of the sulfur mines and the poverty of the area, many Italians made their way to NEPA, bringing their families to settle in Dunmore, the Mid Valley area, Scranton, and Pittston while they, again, toiled underground in the anthracite coal mines. The evening will be a dedication to their sacrifice and perseverance in striving for a better life for their families.

Beginning with a cash bar and refreshments from 6-7 p.m., the screening of the hour-long film will start at 7 p.m. After the screening, Mr. Cavalieri will participate in a question/answer session. Come learn about this little known fact of the Sicilian experience and honor the memory of our ancestors.

Cost is $12, payable in cash at the door. Ticket reservation is required. Contact Scranton Chapter UNICO President, Mike Linko at mikelinko2010@gmail.com. For more information about Michael Cavalieri and his film, go to https://www.neverforgetyourroots.com/la-porta-dellinferno-2/

SACF selected for national Economic Mobility Action Network

Posted on October 1, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce it is only one of ten foundations nationwide selected by CFLeads to participate in the Economic Mobility Action Network’s advanced cohort, a network funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Economic Mobility Action Network is made up of twenty community foundations across the nation, chosen through a competitive process, for their work to advance economic mobility in the region they serve, with a focus on equity. The Scranton Area Community Foundation will work with the Rochester Area Community Foundation, North Texas Community Foundation, Cambridge Community Foundation, Foundation For The Carolinas, ACT for Alexandria, and other leading foundations nationwide.

In 2023, CFLeads was awarded a $4.8 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its economic mobility work and will support the 20 community foundations in two cohorts with capacity-building support and innovative strategies beginning in September 2024. The goal will be to further strengthen and refine the community’s economic mobility plan with a focus on equity.

The cohort consists of Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Vivian Williams, Scranton Area Community Foundation Director of Community Impact; and key partners from the City of Scranton and the Institute for Public Policy.

“This incredible opportunity will provide the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a new national network, allowing it to develop additional relationships with peers who are pioneering innovative approaches to community challenges as well as with funding partners nationwide,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO.

The Economic Mobility Action Network is led by CFLeads’ Economic Mobility team. More information is available on the EMAN webpage.

CFLeads’ mission is to help community foundations build strong communities by advancing effective practices, sharing knowledge, and galvanizing action on critical issues of our time.

“CFLeads is committed to empowering community foundations to lead change in their local place-based work. With the Economic Mobility Action Network, we’re fostering collaboration among 20 community foundations to advance equitable economic mobility. By aligning our shared focus on racial equity with a community leadership lens, we’re driving systemic change that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities,” stated Mary L. Thomas, CFLeads’ President & CEO.

“I am thrilled to announce the selection of an outstanding group of community foundations to join our Economic Mobility Action Network. The competitive process highlighted the incredible commitment and innovative approaches of applicants across the country. In making our selections, we considered not only the strength of each application but also the scope, geographic diversity, institutional alignment, and deep community engagement demonstrated by these foundations. We are confident that this cohort will drive meaningful change and advance economic mobility in their communities,” stated Dr. Leonard Brock, Vice President for Learning and Impact (Issues) at CFLeads.

To learn more about the Scranton Area Community Foundation, visit safdn.org or contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.