Italian Club History
The Italian Heritage Group was formed in 2001 with 20 original members. SCPD Association guidelines at the time allowed any Resident Group to restrict membership per their club charter & rooms were rented from the association to hold meetings and other functions.
Our club chose to restrict membership only to those of Italian descent and if a couple joined, one person had to be Italian. Meetings were held at Lakeview Clubhouse and consisted of a short business meeting followed by a social hour. The Association liquor license didn’t apply to Lakeview and we were able to bring our own wine without paying corkage fee. Appetizers of salami & cheese were served and members brought homemade biscotti to share.
Some members spoke Italian and everyone enjoyed sharing stories from where they’d previously lived and their family’s life in Italy. Many found a shared connection through mutual friends, interests and places.
Everything Italian was the theme of events which included:
- Movie of Italian immigrants in America featuring prominent people who’ve contributed to the Italian American culture and an “Aerial Scenic Journey through Italy & Sicily” with beautiful Italian background music.
- Member Frank Campellone played a variety of Italian songs on his accordion, as we sang along to many traditional favorites that rekindled many fond memories.
- “Pasta Fagioli Soup Tasting Contest” in which members sampled all entries and judges awarded prizes to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners. This event was such a success that a “Pasta Sauce Contest” was added later.
- For those wishing to learn and speak better Italian, lessons were taught by club members in their homes.
“Meet & Greet” social used round-robin format which created intimate conversation, and new members were introduced. After switching tables twice, sandwiches and wine were served.
Columbus Day Potluck & Skit written by member John Annarino featured authentic Italian entrees which were always a hit and brought back memories of Mama’s favorite recipe.
Men’s and Ladies Event: Men’s Golf Tournament with prizes and Ladies High Tea
Dinner Dance Events were held in the Sierra Ballroom for Valentine’s Day, Spring Fling in May, Holiday Dinner Dance in December and other large events.
Over the years, our Board had discussions regarding allowing non-Italians to join the club in order to reflect the inclusiveness of our Sun City community. After 3 years we became a Chartered Club and the name was changed to “Italian Heritage Club” (IHC). Membership was open to anyone in Sun City wishing to embrace our Italian spirit and culture for an evening of fun and camaraderie. Presidents Sal Buccieri, Tony Marcelli and Ralph Ruggerio were instrumental in working with the Association Board of Directors and revising our Charter to reflect the change from Resident Group to Club status in 2009.
As membership increased, we moved to larger rooms at Sunset View Clubhouse. During this time a variety of events were added to our social calendar such as: Ice Cream Social, Movie Night, BBQ and Line Dancing, Bocce and Pizza, Bocce and Sausage Sandwiches, and End of Season Appetizers and Wine.
Over the years, we held two “Silent Auctions” which consisted of household and miscellaneous items, clothing, gift certificates and dinners sponsored by members in their homes which raised money for the Club.
The Club sponsored its first musical event “An Evening in Roma – The Great Italian Song Book Show” featuring Gerald Colucci & Patricia Welsh, which was well received in Sun City and the Coachella Valley.
Following the success of this show, President Frank Montefiori created and MC’d the yearly “An Evening of Comedy” series beginning in 2013, which has become a “must see” and gets better each year. Ticket sales have reached sell-out capacity in recent years due to advertising throughout the Coachella Valley. This event is the major fundraiser for the club which allows us to continue to provide the many quality events offered throughout the year at a reasonable price.
As our popularity continues to grow, we’re known for offering quality events where single members and couples can enjoy a fun evening. All events are now held in the Sierra Ballroom where we offer an open wine bar, catered food, DJ for music and dancing, which is included in cost per person.
Recently new members have joined our Board, each bringing new ideas and vitality to the club with the following creative events: Italian Labor Day Festival, Bus trip to San Diego for Lunch at an Italian restaurant, Italian Sock-a-Hop-a, Italian Wine Tasting, Italian Heritage Celebration, Bocce & Sausage BBQ & Casino Night. In addition to regular on-site events we now offer off-site Happy Hours, Luncheons and Dining out at different locations throughout the year.
Club Presidents John Talone, Steve Battaglia, Sal Buccieri, Ralph Ruggerio, Tony Marcelli, Frank Montiforte and Bob Melino have worked hard to preserve the positive view of our Italian culture and the many contributions we all enjoy.
Member participation is the key to our continued success, and our dedicated volunteers have made the club what it is today. Please think about becoming part of our team and running for a Board position. It’s a great way to meet other members and form lasting bonds with some great people.
If you’ve enjoyed coming to our events, it’s time to give back. Everyone is welcome to attend any monthly board meeting to meet board members, see how the club operates & what’s involved in putting together an event.