Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund’s 34th dinner

When and where: Tuesday night at the Valley Brook Country Club in Peters.

Vivere una vita bella: The Italian Sons and Daughters have been holding this golf outing and scholarship dinner for 34 years, supporting young people who have big dreams and aspirations. This year, the event also honored Carol Massaro as the Woman of the Year, whose late husband, Joe Massaro, was given the honor of Man of the Year 30 years ago. But why is education so important to her and her family? “When I graduated from high school, I was the only female classmate who had the opportunity to go to college. I was always self-conscious about the fact that I

go to college, so I went back when I was 35 years old. It took me eight years to finish. It was one of the proudest moments of my life when I received my college degree. Education offers opportunities for a better life, for better employment. It’s just so expensive in today’s world, and most people aren’t able to afford the high tuitions. That is why it is even more necessary to support organizations that raise funds to give scholarships to deserving students. We know every bit helps toward reaching that goal.”

Mrs. Massaro wasn’t the only one passionate about education at the event. Event co-chairs Dominic and Charlene Petrelli have been ardent supporters of the ISDA scholarship fund for many years and reflected on the importance of giving back to their community. “We are both Italian and grew up in families who could not afford to send us to college. We both worked full time while attending college — both undergraduate and graduate school. Our lives have been enriched by higher education, and we believe in paying it forward.” The event raised $150,000.

#SEEN: Scholarship recipients Dante Marcucci, Caitlyn Frolo, Miranda Zarlino and Ben Staniszewski, Steven Montalbano, Nicholas Ungarino and Joshua Arch. Also #SEEN: Emcee Paul Martino, Franco Harris, Guy Costa, John and Kathy Pelusi, Armand Dellovade, Von Campanella, Ben Del Prince, Joe Scarpo, Mark Balistrieri, Bob Buzzelli and brothers Chris and Mike Gandella. There also were the sons of Carol Massaro: David, Steven and Joe; Mrs. Massaro’s granddaughter Meredith; and Mrs. Massaro’s sister-inlaw Millie Coleman.