Cultural Committee
Our
Cultural Committee plans and coordinates all cultural events and
activities such as Opera nights, musical shows, film festivals,
concerts and cultural exchanges. Cultural Committee
Our
popular annual Italian Family Festa, the oldest and largest event of
its kind on the West Coast, food, costumes, art and photo exhibits,
games and musical entertainment. Italian Family Festa history. See pictures of previous years.
Scholarships
Each
year, the IAHF awards scholarships to deserving students who wish to
continue their education at the college or university of their choice.
These scholarships are made possible through individual donations and
proceeds from our Achievements Awards Dinner and other fund raising
events. We are proud of the young generation and salute them for their
vision to excel in their educational endeavors. Scholarships
Events
Our
Sunday family dinners and evening dinner dances frequently feature fine
Italian cuisine and entertainment. Other events include an annual
family barbecue, Art and Wine Festival, Opera performances, the monthly
Wednesday special lunches, lectures and discussions on Italian topics
of interest.
Library
The Twila Venuti Memorial Library has many interesting and
informative books pertaining to Italian history, art and culture. In
addition, the recreational reading written in both Italian and English
includes periodicals, newspapers, magazines and novels. Members are
encouraged to spend time in the library and check out these books. Library
Italian Language Classes
The IAHF provides Italian language classes for its members. Classes are given every Wednesday by Delia
Schizzano. Please email Delia for more details.
- Beginning conversation starts from 6 to
7:30pm
- Intermediate starts from 7:30 to
9pm
Cost is: $30 for 4 weeks
Classes are here at the
I.A.H.F
Historic Photo Collection
The
IAHF pictorial gallery of photos of early and successful Italians in
our valley represents the historic contributions made by Italian
Americans to the economic, political and social development of Santa
Clara County. Historic Photo Collection
Achievement Awards
In 1999 the Italian American Heritage Foundation conceived the idea of
recognizing and honoring outstanding American achievers of Italian
descent. The Board of Directors was enthusiastic about this idea and
plans got underway. Due to the success of the event it was established
as an annual Achievement Awards dinner. Achievement Awards
Festa della Repubblica
The first week of June marks the Anniversary of the Italian Republic.
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and the Italian American
Heritage Foundation co-sponsor La Festa della Repubblica Italiana, a
flag raising ceremony, at the County Government Building with the
Italian Counsel General and many local dignitaries. A delicious lunch
is served after the ceremony at the Italian Cultural Center.
Opera
The Italian American Cultural Committee presents one of their major
activities twice during each year--Opera night! We are joined in these
events by friends and guests throughout the Bay area. Opera night
combines commitment, enthusiasm and love of our musical heritage to
produce a wonderful evening of song, fine dining, strolling musicians,
and many more artistic surprises.
As a Heritage Foundation, we have played an important part
in the life of the community, particularly in promoting the Italian
language, arts and culture in this valley. This is a very special event
we can all take pride in and truly enjoy for the wonderful musical
tradition it has become.
Opera
at the I.A.H.F. is a special ambiance and an event open to all. The
highlight of the evening is of course, hearing the resident artists of
Opera San Jose. One of our stellar I.A.H.F. members and founder and
Director of Opera San Jose is Ms. Irene Dalis, a Diva in her own right
from the Metropolitan Opera.
Our Opera nights are in March -
Benefit for Opera San Jose, and in October - World of Italian Opera.
Two unforgettable evenings of "Musical Magic!"
Newspaper
The I.A.H.F. publishes an interesting and informative monthly newspaper
for our members. Business and Professional Members are recognized each
month and advertise their products and services. We encourage you to do
business with our Heritage friends. Newspaper
Community Activities
The IAHF participates in supporting many community events such as the
local public television station KTEH fund raising efforts as well as
traveling cultural exhibits and contributions of artifacts. The IAHF is
a major contributor to Opera San Jose.
Volunteers
The
IAHF prides itself on a cadre of dedicated volunteers that contribute
their time to serve the organization in the office, at our events, on
our committees, in the maintenance of our facilities and on our Board
of Directors. Without our contributing members, the IAHF could not have
quality events and programs at reasonable costs. Our volunteer staff is
the heart and pulse of our organization.
