The Italian community once again demonstrated its cohesion as more than 530 people showed up to support the causes pursued by the Capuchin friar.
MC Fausto Biviano introduced the guests of honour, including Senator Francesco Giacobbe, Consul General Gianluca Rubagotti, the Honourable Stephanie Di Pasqua, Mayor of the Inner West Darcy Byrne and president of the Sydney Cultural Institute Paolo Barlera.
During the lunch, Senator Giacobbe gave a speech on the importance of promoting values such as compassion, solidarity and humanitarian support, all of which are perfectly embodied by the Foundation.
The friar, Giacobbe said in his speech, “dedicated his life to others, contributing significantly to the history of Italians in Sydney and Australia, and I thank President Felice Montrone for founding this charity”.
Giacobbe reiterated that the Foundation is the best way to celebrate and pass on the message of Father Atanasio.
Giacobbe then praised the new Italian Language and Cultural Fund initiative, announced by the president of the Montrone Foundation and its committee members.
The initiative aims to support Italian culture, language and traditions by raising funds for its promotion in Australia.
“If everyone in this room donated as little as $100 a year, we would have funds to cover all the initiatives we intend to carry out,” Montrone said with conviction.
The president of the Foundation also expressed great pride in seeing so many associations and organisations from the Italian-Australian and multicultural community in New South Wales come together to celebrate the legacy of Father Atanasio Gonelli.
He went on to highlight the friar’s tireless work over 62 years in the community that helped the less fortunate and needy.
Montrone emphasised that the community’s support is an ongoing reflection of Father Atanasio’s commitment and highlighted the importance of the Italian-Australian community in Australia’s daily life.
With board member Gaetano Bonfante, it was announced that the charity has exceeded $700,000 in donated funds to date.
This support has manifested itself in 105 funded projects in various fields, from medical research and education to assistance for people with disabilities and the homeless.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, $150,000 was donated to help young Italians living in Australia on temporary visas and lacking family support, employment and income.
The Foundation announced that it has made a three-year commitment of $45,000 to the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation.
During the event, the first annual instalment of $15,000 was handed over to support a prostate cancer research project at St Vincent’s hospital under the leadership of Dr Megan Crumbaker, medical oncologist.
In addition, a $10,000 grant was donated to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to cover the operational costs of their patient transport service.Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a not-for-profit cancer hospital offering comprehensive care, from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment and patient welfare.
A further $5000 was awarded to the A Bloody Great Cause Foundation, which raises funds to support the Haematology Clinical Research Unit at the Concord Cancer Centre at Concord Hospital.
Another $5000 grant was given to Muscular Dystrophy NSW, which provides specialised support programmes and connections to people with neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy.
Finally, a $5000 grant was given to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, which provides specialised and personalised support services to people with cerebral palsy.
During the event, the names of the Foundation’s 2024 Ambassadors were also announced. Ambassadors roles are given to those who have distinguished themselves for their commitment and dedication in serving the community according to the principles of charity and solidarity.
They included Caterina Laface, Caterina Macri, Vincenzo Macri, Ninetta Montesano, Sebastiano Montesano, Domenico Polistina, Salvatore Raiti and Domenico Severino, who have demonstrated through their actions that they are a tangible example of altruism and generosity.
Singer Peter Ciani performed an original song composed especially for Father Atanasio, while Bonfante sung beautifully, accompanied by Clarissa Spata and Rebecca Bulinello.
During the day, it was interesting to observe a remarkable generational continuity. Montrone invited the next generation of Italo-Australians on stage, who, together with the GIA Network, emphasised the new generation’s commitment to keeping traditions alive.
