HISTORY OF THE ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB

In October of 1977, twelve hundred people came to a Columbus Day Dinner Dance in Livonia, Michigan organized by a group called the Italian American Friends of Ed McNamara, Mayor of that City. They raised $5,000 for the Mayor and the party was THE social event of the season.

Nineteen of those Italian-Americans gathered at Nicky’s (a popular dining place in Livonia owned by Nick Canzano) on October 13, 1977 to discuss the fundraiser. At that time, they decided they liked being together and worked well together and they organized the club that became known as The Italian American Club of Livonia.

The group elected their first officers: President Mike Magliocco,Vice President Mike Cicchella, Secretary John Bommarito and Treasurer Joseph Panackia. Nick Canzano, Ben Celani, Pete DeMarco, John DelSignore, Alex Fedrigo, Tony Greco, Joanne Hurley, Ron Mardiros, Enzo Paparelli, Diane Piccirilli, Eddie Puishes, Francis Stella, Ann Tavolacci,
Patrick Tavolacci and Becky Tavarozzi (the balance of the nineteen) became the first Board of Directors of the new Club. Membership dues were set at $10.00 per year per family and Bylaws were formulated.

In April of 1978, the Officers and Board met to set up their first Columbus Day Dinner Dance as a Club and decided to meet every month. They elected a permanent set of officers and Ben Celani of Action Distributing offered the Club use of his company’s Board Room for their meetings. Articles of Incorporation were filed on June 29, 1978. On September 7, 1978, the first newsletter was printed. The Columbus Dinner Day Dance, held on October 8, 1978, was a huge success.

By November 2, 1978 the Club was over one year old with 101 family memberships and $4,900.85 in the bank.

Events in 1979 included the first President’s Ball at Roma’s of Livonia, our first charitable donation to the Boxing Club of Livonia, our first booth at Livonia Spree, the first Annual General Membership Meeting and the first Christmas Party. Membership had risen to 195 families.

In 1980, the Italian-American Club Golf League began with 24 golfers and a Bowling League was also formed. The Club expanded its social events to include a spaghetti dinner, wine and cheese party at Fonte d’Amore, a picnic in August and a Night at the Races that year. The Wednesday Night Social Evenings began at Corsi’s Restaurant. The Club donated $1,000.00 to the victims of an earthquake in Italy. Membership stood at 280 families.

The Club held its first Millionaire’s Party in February of 1981 which raised over $3,000.00. Then in August of 1981, the Clubhouse at 9611 Hubbard in Livonia was purchased at a cost of $33,000 with $15,000 as a down payment. Members pitched in to make the building, in disrepair, an enjoyable “home” until 1994.

In 1990 a momentous decision was made to build a new club-house/banquet facility and 5.21 acres of land on 5 Mile Road and the I-275 expressway in Livonia was purchased on July 31st of that year. The old clubhouse was sold to the Livonia Jaycees. With President Tony Greco spearheading the effort, financing was obtained, ground broken in 1993 and building was completed in August of 1994. A Gala Grand Opening was held to celebrate a dream come true; a 26,000 sq. ft. facility on two levels.

Throughout the years Jerry D’Adamo, a long time Lifetime Member has been responsible for major Fundraising events and headed the Building Committee during construction. His tireless efforts helped to bring our dream to fruition.

Four of the original nineteen Italian-Americans who founded the IACL are still active in the Club;  Michael Cicchella, John Del Signore, Alex Fedrigo, Tony Greco. They have seen their dream realized.

Currently, the Italian-American Club of Livonia has over 1000 family memberships, with Seven Officers and Ten Board Members. Five Standing Committees actively administer the many facets of our diversified Club including Building, Cultural, Finance, Good and Welfare, Membership.

The Italian-American Club of Livonia grew from its nucleus of nineteen, nurtured and strengthened by a heritage and spirit characterized by hard work, love, family and a celebration of life. Club members and their families prayed together, worked together, played together. We became a force in the community contributing much to the social fabric of the City and to many of its institutions including Madonna University, St Mary’s Hospital the Livonia Heart Fund, Angela Hospice and the St. Louis Center, a home for children & adults with developmental disabilities located in Chelsea, Michigan. The efforts of our members: architects, builders, construction workers, homemakers, musicians, religious, business people, restaurateurs, politicians and professionals have imprinted themselves on Livonia and its environs and we and the community are richer for it. We have built not just a club, not just a building, but a “FAMILY” with roots in Italy and a “HOME” in America.

In 2001, the IACL Charitable Foundation became a reality, and continues to flourish sponsoring many annual events such as the golf outing and wild game dinner, Fundraisers to support culture related programs including Italian Language Classes, Columbus Day, sponsorship of Verdi Opera Theater of Michigan’s annual Concert of the Finalists of the Italian Songs and Arias Vocal Competition and other Club activities such as Carnevale, Pasquetta, Ferragosto and La Befana.

We are working to encourage participation from our young Italians who are the future of our dynamic organization and will continue to work to achieve our Mission. “To promote and infuse among our members and the community at large through education, civic, social and/or charitable endeavors the continued interest and knowledge of the Italian language, culture and traditions.” As stated in our evolving Constitution.