Preserving Our Italian Heritage

Hello all,

2026 isn’t over yet, but we have had another successful year to date. We awarded $1,000 in college scholarships and handed out checks at our annual, jam-packed scholarship picnic. We also held another successful, fun, and fantastic Monterey High Tea “Winter Wonderland-Christmas in July” fundraiser with a full house. Thanks to Rose & Vince Malfitano, Mary Coniglio, our chef George Leonard, and our army of volunteers, the food and entertainment were top-notch. Thank you all.

We are now planning the 2027 agenda, which will include various fundraisers, another annual scholarship picnic, and a couple of surprises along the way. We want to expand our efforts to preserve, protect, and promote our Sicilian-Italian cultural heritage through more cultural events. Stay tuned!

You will receive your membership renewal invoice by email, and some will receive it by U.S. mail, in December or January. We encourage you to renew it as soon as possible. All fundraising profits go to scholarships and event costs. Our membership dues are the lifeblood of our organization. They allow us to keep our doors open and to function. None of our board members or our army of volunteers get paid. As you know, costs are climbing; insurance premiums, software subscriptions, food costs, and merchandise have all increased substantially. So, please consider renewing your membership.

We hope you can see this clearly and help us continue our mission and vision by paying your dues when you receive your invoice.

FOI MISSION STATEMENT:

“To Preserve, Protect, and Promote the Sicilian-Italian Cultural Heritage Among the Descendants, Immigrants, Citizens, and Friends of Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, and Around the World.”

FOI VISION STATEMENT:

“Our non-profit organization will promote our Sicilian-Italian culture by advancing higher education for Italian American college-bound students through scholarships, developing a professional group study exchange program and a cultural student exchange program, and assisting the current California sister cities in cultivating their relationships with Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, to preserve our cultural heritage.”

Thank you in advance.

VIDEOS FROM PAST SHOWS