The 30th Annual Gala event of Filitalia International (FI) was held at Celebrations Banquet Hall, Bensalem, PA on November 19, 2017. The evening's Master of Ceremony was Marco Circelli, Executive Director of FI, who reminded the audience that FI celebrated the 30th anniversary of its foundation this year, under the constant leadership of the Founder and President Emeritus Dr. Pasquale Nestico.

Paula DeSanctis-Bonavitacola, first Vice President of FI, thanked the attendees, sponsors and many volunteers who had contributed to put together an evening unforgettable for the numbers of attendees (about 250) and contribution of numerous sponsors.

The FI President Emerita, Rosetta Miriello, outlined FI's past and mentioned its achievements during its 30 years of activity, such as the formation of twelve US chapters, the districts overseas, and the Museum of the History of the Italian Immigration, up to the recent and prestigious appointment of FI as Ente Gestore by the Consulate General of Italy in Philadelphia. Then Miriello, on behalf of the whole organization, thanked Dr. Nestico for being a constant inspiration for FI members, and relentlessly supporting FI, that has been able to grow thanks to his tireless activity. Finally, Ms. Miriello publicly acknowledged Mrs. Anna Di Paola, past President of the Recreational Committee, and Mrs. Rosaria Ceraso, current President of the Sport Committee, and presented both ladies with a Certificate of Merit for all their work in organizing Filitalia events, such as gala dinners and sport events.

FI President Marc Virga reminded that now a new season starts for FI, in which everybody should volunteer to preserve the Italian culture and traditions. FI's goal is to keep growing thanks to the help of sponsors and donors who believe in FI's mission and want to contribute to keep alive the Italian identity and cultural roots either in the Philadelphia area or all over the world.

The following awards were conferred to important members of the Italian-American community in the Greater Philadelphia Area. The "Citizenship Award" was presented to Giuseppe Musso, owner of "Giuseppe Trattoria" in Newton Square, PA, who has reminded the audience that his great success as restaurateur and businessman has always been accompanied by great existential hardship.

The "Leadership and Educational Award" was introduced by Saverio Nestico, and conferred to his father Dr. Pasquale Nestico as President Emeritus of FI. Thanks to his infant Filitalia Foundation and his ever-present support for FI's activities, Dr. Nestico has been instrumental in FI being appointed Ente Gestore, which will start new courses of Italian language for public and private schools in the consular district of Philadelphia.

The "Humanitarian Award" was presented to the brothers Cesare, Antonio e Domenico Gambone, introduced by Cavaliere Claudio Sica. Thanks to their constant activity to preserve the Italian culture and traditions in Norristown, PA, the contribution by the Gambone brothers has been and continues to be of vital importance, also in assisting all the needy people living in di Norristown area.

The Gala evening was accompanied with the musical entertainment by the duo Fulvio Ranni and Sal Evola, who proposed an Italian repertoire greatly appreciated by the guests. "Our annual gala represents the most solid tradition of Filitalia International - FI President Emerita Rosetta Miriello stated - and for this reason we are happy to host all our members, supporters, and fellow countrywomen and fellow countrymen living in the Greater Philadelphia area, and celebrate our 30 years with them, thanks to our common culture, roots, and traditions".