The Wagner College DaVinci Society observed Italian Heritage Month at its 14th annual Scholarship Dinner Wednesday evening in Nicotra's Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn, where nearly 300 guests gathered in support. The affair that showcases Italian culture was chaired by Eleanor Conforti, a former chairwoman of Community School Board 31 and a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement.

The event translates into a major fundraiser for scholarships presented to worthy Staten Island Italian-American students attending Wagner College on Grymes Hill. For their commitment to community, this year, the DaVinci Society honored former Borough President Ralph J. Lamberti with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Dr. Pietro Carpenito, Thomas Checchi and Catherine Tantillo with the Community Service Award.