Casino night to benefit youths with heart issues
BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent

Games of chance will give children with congenital heart disease and other heart conditions the chance for treatment and care when a Casino Night sponsored by the Italian American Association of Monmouth County is held in September.

The fundraising event will take place at the Park Avenue Seafood Bistro, Route 33, Freehold, from 6-11 p.m. Sept. 27. The proceeds will benefit Big Hearts to Little Hearts, an organization based in Spring Lake that supports research and care for pediatric patients with cardiac conditions.

Big Hearts to Little Hearts started in 2003 and raises funds for the Cardiac Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"This organization was chosen because one of our members is associated with Big Hearts to Little Hearts," said Robert De- Salvatore, president of the Italian American Association (IAA). "It's a worthy cause and the casino night will be a fun event."

The IAA has about 245 members. De- Salvatore said the organization started in 2005 and has supported other causes including St. Jude's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, the Ronald McDonald House, Long Branch, and Smile Train, an international organization that provides funds for the treatment of children with cleft palates.

"Our organization promotes Italian American culture, family values and is community minded," he said. "Events are open to the public and membership is available to any woman or man over 21 years of age. You don't have to be of Italian descent."

DeSalvatore said that in addition to raising funds for community organizations, the IAA provides cultural and social events.

Cheryl Scuorzo, and IAA board member and recording secretary, co-chairs the Cultural Events Committee with Maria Cucciniello, the IAA treasurer.

"An Italian enrichment summer camp for children recently was held at St. Mary's Parish, Colts Neck, and our August picnic at Turkey Swamp Park just finished," said Scuorzo, a teacher at Gregory Elementary School, Long Branch. "After the casino night, another event will be the Italian language and culture course."

She said this is the third year the language course will be offered to children between the ages of 4 and 14 and to adults. Through games, songs, crafts, conversation and role playing, the Italian language and culture will be taught. The 20 one-hour weekly classes run from Oct. 10 to April 3 at the C. Richard Applegate School, Freehold Township. It will be taught by certified Italian teachers from schools including Rutgers University and Brookdale Community College.

"The classes are small and it's a great way to enjoy Italian culture," said Scuorzo, a Marlboro resident. "All nationalities love Italian food, and Italian culture has a rich heritage to share with all people."

Maria Cucciniello, an IAA member since 2005, said she was born in the southern Italian town of Tricarico, in Matera province.

"Even though I left Italy at the age of 3, I want my children to learn Italian culture with other children through the events of the Italian American Association," said Cucciniello, a resident of Marlboro. "I have a passion for Italian culture and want to share it with others."

She said her favorite IAA event is La Befana, celebrated Jan. 6, when children receive presents from La Befana, the good witch.

"It's such fun for the kids," said Cucciniello, who with her husband, Walter, have three children, Antonio, 15, Gianni,12, and Monica, 7.

Other IAA events and programs include Italian cooking classes and scholarships for Monmouth County high school seniors, as well as cell phone and laser cartridge recycling. Long-range plans for the IAA, she said, include looking for a permanent place for events. Right now the IAA holds most of its meetings at restaurants from September through June.

"It would be great to hold events, such as the casino night, at our own place," said Cucciniello.

The cost for the Casino Night is $85 per person or $150 per couple and includes dinner and $500 worth of casino chips. The proceeds will benefit Big Hearts to Little Hearts. For more information and a complete schedule of IAA events click on www.iaaofmonmouthcounty.com or call 732-536-5832 or 732-984-8482.