This month the Watertown Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge Piave Fiume #1036, an affiliate Lodge of the National Order Sons of Italy in America, presented a check of $5,000 dollars to the Watertown Food Pantry, along with food items. The donation was made possible by hosting a comedy night fundraiser in June.

Late February of 2022 the ceiling of the basement at Belmont Watertown United Methodist Church, which houses many programs and services including the Watertown Food Pantry, collapsed. “Food pantries and recovery programs were hit the hardest during the pandemic,” says event chairman, Mark Petteglio, “once we heard the ceiling collapsed we knew we needed to help. It’s a segment of the society that is often forgotten, and unfortunately needs the most help.”

Funds were generated by hosting a comedy night, with a star-filled lineup. Comedians Jack Lynch, Joey Carroll, Jim McCue and Steve Sweeney packed the Sons of Italy Hall leaving over 200 people in attendance on the floor laughing. Attendees were encouraged to further support the Food Pantry by bringing canned goods and they answered the call with carts full of bags. “It’s the largest donation in several years,” says Food Pantry Coordinator, Kathy Cunningham, “we greatly appreciate what the Sons of Italy has done for the community, it will help hundreds of families.” The Food Pantry is open every Tuesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at 80 Mount Auburn Street.

The Watertown Sons of Italy offers a dropoff location for canned goods for the Food Pantry along with clothing for the Waltham Community Day Center every Thursday at the rear loading dock at 520 Pleasant Street. Everyone is encouraged to use this dropoff and support those in need. “This is what the Order Sons of Italy is all about,” says Watertown Sons & Daughters of Italy President, Antonio Mastantuono, “charity is a large part of the Order. We are here to help the community in whatever capacity that may be. In some form every member contributes to making these events, scholarships and donations a reality. Our members have a passion for helping others.”

About Watertown Sons of Italy: The Watertown Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge Piave Fiume is a non-profit, 501(c)8 fraternal organization established over 100 years ago, in 1920. The organization raises funds for scholarships and charitable causes such as the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, Doug Flutie Autism Foundation, Alzheimer’s Associations and supports many local organizations. It holds several social events during the year for members and non-members alike. Membership is open to everyone. More complete information about the organization is available at www.WatertownSonsofItaly.org.