VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Although the weather outside does not look like it, Spring is on the way bringing some hope of a slow return to normalcy as we prepare for our important March 9 th Board Meeting and plan the remainder of our 2021 events. Volunteers are the life blood of our Foundation. Without our hardworking members, we would not have been able to support the large number of activities during the Pandemic. Because of the local need, our Community Care Program has reached out to both individuals and groups to provide over $6,000 in support. We are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Tony Marmo has volunteered to “chair” this committee, but we need 3-4 members to help with the work. Definitely a computer person with knowledge of Microsoft Excel and 2-3 others for ongoing recruitment and follow-up on lapsed members.

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

We are looking for 2-3 members to coordinate our growing Merchandise Sale, Car Wash Tickets, and some new fundraisers.

SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE

Presented with new challenges this past year without a large Festival, this group still raised over $25,000. The Foundation initiated a “One Ask Annual Sponsorship Program” that incorporates the Festival, our Calendars, Educational Awards, and Community Grants. Tony Marmo and Nina Postupack have been doing this since the founding of UCIAF. We need additional member support in this area.

MEDIA COMMITTEE

We would like to add 1-2 members to help Nick Alba, Gina Sottile and Cathy Benham with our media outlets. Specifically, to generate Press Releases and information articles about UCIAF on a regular basis.

CULTURAL/DINNER COMMITTEE

We always have room on these committees for new members that want to be involved in planning and coordinating our many events. Some specific areas include cooking videos, recipes, calendars, movie nights, programs, and a video project about our “Strong Roots.”

UCIAF BOARD

Lastly, we will be putting together our 2022 Board Nominations this Fall and will have some vacancies. Now is the time to become involved in some way. Our Foundation is only 5 years old, has almost 300 members, has a popular weekly radio show “Tutto Italiano”, and does amazing work in our community. Check out www.uciaf.org. Please reach out to me to become more
active in UICAF. I can help “channel” your interests and use your talents.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ash

I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,

Les Lombardi/Alessis
UCIAF President
lombardiles@gmail.com / 914-388-9652