Celebrating Italian American pride at Los Angeles City Hall

Italian Heritage Month means, first of all, a period of continuous celebrations. This is a special moment when all Italian Americans feel particularly proud to show their heritage and traditions, a moment when we stay together, united not just by the same flags, but also by the same passion. The month of October gives us the opportunity to experience the best of Italy, to taste its flavors and precious products, and to enjoy its art and music.

 

Such an enthusiasm accompanied the “Italian Spirit Awards” ceremony, held on October 17th in the John Ferraro Council Chamber of the Los Angeles City Hall.

 

Hosted by 15th District Councilman Joe Buscaino, this annual event is an opportunity to acknowledge Italian American leading figures from the community of Southern California, who are honoured for their contribution to promoting Italy’s reputation and rich culture in the United States.

 

Besides recognizing the achievements of successful Italians in America, the occasion was also a showcase of elegance and established artistic traditions. A stunning performance by the L.A. Opera transformed the Council Chamber in a concert hall: the melody of classical music silenced and captured the audience, creating the right atmosphere to start the ceremony. The festivities began when Mr. Joe Buscaino stated that without the Italians “there wouldn’t have been pizza, pasta, cars and fancy clothes” in the U.S. and expressed his gratitude to his parents for moving here from Sicily more than half a century ago. He also said that Italy’s cultural influence turned America into a better country and thanked the whole Italian American community for making all of this possible year after year.

 

The attendees cheered and applauded during his speech. Then he introduced the guests of honor, starting from IAMLA director Marianna Gatto, who actively contributed to celebrate the Italian Heritage Month through the Taste of Italy event at the Pico House on October 11th. She thanked the members of the Council and reaffirmed how proud she is to be part of a community that promotes Italian culture throughout Southern California, also inviting everybody to visit the Italian American Museum, slated to open soon in Los Angeles.

 

The first to be awarded during the ceremony were Mr. Ralph and Larry Cimmarusti for “Excellence in Business”: the two brothers, who grew up in L.A. and graduated from Eagle Rock High and Glendale Community College, are the sons of Italian immigrants from Bari, Puglia. Forty years ago, they started an open-fronted vegetable market in Hollywood Hills, later converted into a popular Italian Deli. The company became soon franchisees of Burger King and was rated as one of the 100 largest businesses in the Country, eventually purchasing the Original Roadhouse Grill chain.

 

Today it operates causal dining restaurants in two States and reflects the spirit of sacrifice and hard work that Ralph and Larry were taught by their parents, whose commitment was the inspiration for Cimmarustis’ business career. They also strongly contributed to improving public education with their time and resources, donating one million dollar to the Glendale Community College for the construction of a new Science Center on campus and becoming an example of engagement and responsibility.