Early in 1975 the San Jose Bicentennial Commission endorsed the U.S. Armed Forces Bicentennial Band’s appearance in San Jose and was seeking a sponsoring group for the concert.

Rocci Pisano, a member of the Bicentennial Commission, suggested that perhaps Italian Americans in this area would undertake this event, to be cosponsored by the San Jose Mercury News. Searching for a community-spirited leader, the energetic Don Lima came to mind. One phone call to him did it, and a new Italian American organization was on its way.

The initial meeting of the Italian American Bicentennial Committee was held on August 5, 1975.

With no money, no precedent and no set plans, fifteen individuals worked together to establish the Italian American Bicentennial Association. As the organization grew, and the success of its activities became known, it became obvious that a permanent nonprofit organization should be established.

On June 29, 1976 the nonprofit organization became know as the Italian American Heritage Foundation. Its first officers were Don Lima, President; S.M. Sanfillippo, Vice President; Mary Lima, Secretary; and Sal Flavetta, Treasurer. Founders who signed the Articles of Incorporation were; Domenic Cirincione, Victor Corsiglia, John De Vincenzi, Joseph Di Salvo, Charles Falcone, Sal Flavetta, Joseph Guerra, Jr., Michael Guerra, Carl Lepiane, Don Lima, Larry Marsalli, Rocci Pisano, Murphy Sabatino, S. M. Sanfillippo, and Louis Solari.