The Society of Italian American Businessmen Helps Community

2020 was a very difficult year for everyone and every organization. COVID-19 caused postponements and cancellations of fundraising events leading to new and creative ways to raise money in the Non-Profit Community. Early in 2020, the Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) were deep into planning their Spring Gala, which has grown over the past 7 years to be one of the most highly anticipated fundraising events in Harford County. Tickets were sold out; sponsorships, ad sales, and donations were in full swing, then COVID-19 restrictions started emerging. At first, like most other nonprofits in the community, the SIAB postponed the event but eventually, had no choice but to cancel the event.

Back in early 2020, the SIAB had received Grant applications from area 501 (c)3’s, as this was the normal process. Through their selection process, Anna’s House (a Harford County shelter for homelessness) and CASA of Harford County (serving the needs of children in the foster care system) were selected to be the recipients of grants totaling $50,000, giving $25,000 to each charity. As fundraising proved to be a challenge in 2020, the SIAB turned to their loyal patrons, who over the past 7 years have come to trust the SIAB as an “Impact Fundraiser” that acts in good conscience and lives up to their commitments. The SIAB was overwhelmed at the generosity of their patrons­­–over 70% allowed them to keep the money collected for the canceled Gala enabling them to present both charities with checks of $25,000 each just before the Christmas holiday.

While the two other SIAB signature events, the June Golf Outing and the September Linguine & Crab Feast had to be canceled, SIAB using forward funding efforts from the previous year were also able to give away an additional $27,000 in College Scholarships to 6 area students, and were also able to donate $3,750 in sponsorships to other 501 (c)3’s. So, while overall the $88,000+ donated to local charities was still significant given the COVID-19 challenges, the inability to hold events in 2020 will hinder SIAB’s ability to donate to local charities at that level in 2021. The SIAB president, Palumbo states, “We will do everything in our power to continue helping the community that has shown SIAB so much loyalty, support and, trust.”

Since the inception of SIAB fundraising events starting in 2014, the Society of Italian American Businessmen has held 16 major events, given away 33 Scholarships totaling $103,000. $40,000 in event sponsorships and $350,000 in total Grants and Donations impacting 75 local 501 (c)3 non-profits. That is a $490,000 impact to the community in the organization’s short existence. All this was done while accumulating $200,000 in an Endowment Fund for future use for Scholarship and area Charities. The SIAB thanks the Greater Harford County community for their continued loyalty and support, and for sharing their values of PROMOTING HERITAGE. POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMAGE. FAMILY TRADITIONS. Va tutto bene! (It’s all good!)

Current Board of Directors of The Society of Italian American Businessmen

President, Tony Palumbo

Vice President, Eric Rebbert

1st Vice President, Anthony DiPaula

Treasurer, John Troiano

Asst. Treasurer, Joe Papa

Secretary, Nick Berte

Asst. Secretary, Dr. Jon Bellantoni

Sargent at Arms, Michael DeLuca

Past President

Italo Liberatore

Founders

Mark Dardozzi (Past President)

Elio Scaccio

Photographs: Major Grant Recipients

Media Contact: Tony Palumbo

Phone: (410) 836-8591

Email: tpalumbo@palumboinsassoc.com

Web: www.thesiab.org

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