Sons of Italy Vicin' al Mare Lodge 2601

WHO WE ARE - Founded in 1905, the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA) is the largest and oldest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States.

WHAT WE DO - Our lodge holds fundraisers throughout the year to support local charities (Adelaide's Place & MAPS), SOI Foundation NJ charities (Arthritis & Alicia Rose Foundation) and national charities (Alzheimer's Association and the Cooley's Anemia Foundation) AND award $1,000 scholarships to deserving students from Atlantic and Cape May County High Schools.

Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation is the second state charity of the NJ Sons of Italy Foundation. The mission of the Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation is to provide activities, programs, and events that enhance the quality of the lives of adolescents with life-threatening illnesses. They primarily build teen center in children's hospitals to provide activities, etc. for the kids while they are there for their treatments. To learn more and see a video about this brave young teen, please visit http://victoriousfoundation.com.

What is Cooleys' Anemia: Cooley’s Anemia or Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder which children are born with. Children who have Thalassemia cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin and need frequent blood transfusions and medical treatment. Cooley’s Anemia is the official charity of National Order Sons of Italy in America.

For a recap of our last 4 years as of March 2012, please read below:

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
Cara Amici,

After 4 years of serving as your president, this is my last greeting from our newsletter, which has started me thinking of all the wonderful events that our lodge has enjoyed over those 4 years. But first, the most recent. Mille grazie, to all who helped make our Porchetta (with a “k” sound J) an outstanding success, socially, gastronomically, and financially, with special thanks to Linda, Lenny & Marietta!

Over the past 4 years we have given 10 scholarships to outstanding students of Italian heritage and donated thousands of dollars to our special charities. We’ve also donated to several local fundraisers for needy causes, and each year gave generous food baskets to Catholic Social Services and gifts to homeless women at Adelaide’s Place. Our fundraisers included an elegant gala at the Ram’s Head Inn, golf tournaments, chicken barbecues, Porchetta & Ravioli nights, a Beef & Beer party, Cuts for Charity, and charity walks both here and at the Cooper River Park. We initiated our “Memorial” cards for all occasions program.

Our trips included wine tasting at Renault’s Winery, back bay cruises, the St. Anthony Festival in Wilmington, Ellis Island, Phillies games, the Italian American Museum in Manhattan & Garibaldi-Meucci Museum in Staten Island. And, of course, European trips to Italy, Germany, France & Switzerland.

Our programs have been varied, entertaining and educational, from “Show & Tell” your Italian heritage, to a Holocaust survivor, to the History of Pasta. All of this is the result of having a fabulous Board, terrific Program Chairperson, and supportive membership. We are truly fratelli e sorelle…brothers & sisters in spirit.

Please continue your support of our upcoming events; an interesting speaker in March, April Installation dinner, scholarship awards in May and Cut for Charity in June. Mille grazie a tutti. Te amo tutti.

Alex