Saluti a tutti! Greetings everyone!

As Festitalia Chairperson, I am pleased to announce that our 3rd annual Festitalia Italian Heritage Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 5th, 2014 at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre. Nominations for several awardcategories are being accepted untilMarch 14th, 2014. You can download the Award Categories, Nomination Criteria and Nomination Form, and find out more about Sponsorship Opportunities.

Individuals will be recognized in each of 13 Award categories:

· Arts, Culture and Entertainment;
· Health and Active Living;
· Health Sciences and Technology;
· Sports;
· Labour;
· Community Development and Social Inclusion;
· Politics, Public Affairs and Communications;
· Education and Mentorship;
· Young Person of Distinction (under 30);
· Justice and Law;
· Emergency Services;
· Regional Distinction Awards (Regional Clubs/Associations); and
· The Festitalia Award of Distinction.

Festitalia has contributed to the economic development and cultural diversity of Hamilton and surrounding areas for the past 39 years. As a strong volunteer driven organization, Festitalia collaborates with other community groups in celebrating, sharing and promoting Italian culture and heritage with the community at large.

Canadians of Italian heritage are also proud of their contributions to our local and broader communities. Through the passing of the Italian Heritage Act, the provincial government declared forever the month of June as Italian Heritage month.

The Festitalia Italian Heritage Awards will recognize the leadership of men, women and youth of Italian heritage or affiliation who have contributed to the development and well-being of others and the overall improvement of the community. The contributions made by these individuals bring honour and recognition to individuals of Italian ancestry who, as a whole, have made significant contributions to the betterment of the community at large. Awards will also recognize individuals of non-Italian descent who have made a significant contribution to the welcoming and integration of Italian immigrants to our great Canadian society and have fostered positive relationships with groups and individuals of Italian descent.

Partner sponsorship opportunities are also available for title, component or award categories. Please see the attached information that can be circulated to individuals and groups who may like the opportunity to participate in this way.

Canada is a great country; a land of opportunity. Italian Heritage month allows us to say thank-you to this great country and to continue in our commitment to making Canada a rich and diverse cultural mosaic for the benefit of all its citizens.

We invite you to join us in this celebration by nominating a worthy individual, attending the event or by your sponsorship support. Please join us to celebrate Italian Heritage, our contributions to our great City of Hamilton and our deep love for Canada.

Grazie!

Maria Motschman

Festitalia Chairperson