On Friday, April 13, 2018, the Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB), a local non-profit civic group, presented Harford Family House and Extreme Family Outreach, both local Harford County charities supporting children and families, with donations of $25,000 each. The check presentation took place at the Richlin Catering & Events Center during SIAB’s sold out 5th Annual Spring Gala sponsored by Kris Konstruction Design &Build Group.
“We are so grateful to be awarded this gift from the members of The SIAB,” said Robin Tomechko, CEO of Harford Family House. “This donation will allow us to provide approximately 1,000 nights of shelter to homeless Harford County families with children.”
SIAB’s fundraising efforts to date have resulted in over $207,000 gift and scholarship awards since the group’s inception in 2013. Members submit organizations for consideration and vote on the annual award recipient. Previous recipients included St. Margaret’s Church, The Arc NCR, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, and SARC (Harford County). Success in fundraising efforts and the support of sponsors has led to an increase of the annual award each year.
“We’re humbled by the support of our members, their families and friends, and our sponsors and vendors that enables us to increase our donations each year,” shares Italo Liberatore, SIAB President and owner of Liberatore’s Ristorante in Bel Air. “The two organizations for 2018 were chosen by our membership for their exemplary dedication to one of our core values—family.”
“The Society of American Italian Businessmen are simply selfless and generous in their support of Extreme Family Outreach,” said Maryln Gambrill, Executive Director of Extreme Family Outreach. “This donation will help us make a colossal difference in the success of our endeavor to save lives!”
The SIAB Annual Spring Gala is unique, bringing together local Italian-owned restaurants and catering under one roof for one night to present their signature appetizer dish to guests before the main meal.
This year, La Cucina, Enotria, Liberatore’s in Bel Air, Main Street Tower, and Richlin Catering offered up their best Italian cuisine. An espresso station, the Italian national anthem, Italian dinner music, Italian cookies, and the incredible entertainment provided by The Mood Swings capped off the cultural and culinary event of the season. Special recognition to Kris Konstruction Design & Build Group, Platino sponsor, for helping present another successful gala.
EXTREME FAMILY OUTREACH
Extreme Family Outreach conducts Community Impact Programs for elementary and middle school aged youth in under-served communities along the Route 40 Corridor in Harford County, MD. They deliver a holistic approach to character building by bringing their mobile message directly into the vulnerable neighborhoods. Call 410-676-1212 or visit www.ExtremeFamilyOutreach.org.
HARFORD FAMILY HOUSE
Harford Family House is the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless families with children and unaccompanied adults ages 18-24 in Harford County. They are the only organization capable of keeping an intact family, including father, together during the crises of homelessness. Call 410-273-6700 or visit www.HarfordFamilyHouse.org.
Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB)
With a passion for their Italian heritage and a desire to give back to the community, co-founders Mark Dardozzi and Elio Scaccio established the Society of the Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) in May 2013. As the organization approaches its fifth anniversary, it is over 50 members strong and has awarded over $207,000 in gifts and scholarships to the Harford County community. To learn more about SIAB, please visit our website at www.TheSIAB.org and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSIAB.
