An Unforgettable Grand Gala for Our Italian Community
Gala in grand style for the 88th anniversary of the Casa d'Italia

We are pleased to share with all of you the great success of our recent Grand Gala last November 9, 2024 at Le Crystal Buffet. It was an event that proudly celebrated the beating heart of our Italian community. The evening was made even more special by the tribute to a person esteemed and loved by all of us, Dr. Gino Berretta, an example of dedication and inspiration for present and future generations. The celebration was a unique moment of togetherness, allowing us to welcome many successful entrepreneurs from our community including Mirella and Lino Saputo, Elio Arcobelli, Joseph Broccolini, Peter Comito, Sabino Grassi, Sal Guerrera, Anthony Infantino, Luigi Liberatore, Barry Lorenzetti, Lino Santoriello, Calogero Scalia, Carlo Scalzo, the Tozzi family, and Joe Vella.

Not only that, it was exciting to see the active participation of so many young people, a sign that our spirit and traditions continue to live and thrive. It was a meaningful event that celebrated not only the importance of the history that lives on through the Art Deco walls of the House of Italy with its 88-year anniversaries. Mr. Berretta has had such an important impact on the sports scene that it inspired a documentary dedicated to him that was broadcast during the evening. Kudos to Ici Television for capturing this story with care and dedication! We emphasize the words of its president Sam Norouzi expressing "A deep sense of honor " in recognizing the remarkable influence of the Casa d'Italia within the Italian community in Montreal. Thank you Gino for your dedication and vision. Your legacy inspires us all by reminding us of the power of community and the enduring importance of cultural heritage. 

Institutional greetings came from several quarters. Senator Tony Loffreda sent his greetings in a video message in which he highlighted Gino Berretta's personality and leadership and his constancy on behalf of the community. He recalled how former president, Gino Berretta was instrumental during a tumultuous period of the Italian Home and how, surrounded by many community leaders, he helped save the Home with an accomplished fundraiser in 2022. Greetings also from the Honorable Patricia Lattanzio, with a plaque of recognition for the Casa d'Italia as well as the Honorable Angelo Iacono who made a special tribute, on behalf of Prime Minister Trudeau, to Gino Berretta, with additional recognition to the President, Notary Perry Mazzanti. Finally, greetings from the Consul General of Italy, Dr. Enrico Pavone, who praised the Casa d'Italia as an authentic jewel of Art Deco architecture and emphasized that the Casa is a meeting place, a symbol of integration, which makes a contribution to the social and cultural growth of Montreal.

Director General Giovanna Giordano recalled how Gino Berretta chose her to head the Casa d'Italia with a very specific goal: to revive this symbolic place and return it to its central role in our community.President Perry Mazzanti, on the other hand, wanted to thank everyone present and encourage them to continue and believe in safeguarding what is ours with pride and prestige.

Many thanks to our councilors-Carlo Scalzo, Lina Simeone, Celna Toia, Vincenzo Belmonte, Sal Guerrera, Mark Calce, Tony Corsillo, James Di Sano, Joe Fratino, Catherine Labasi Sammartino, Jacques Tozzi, and all who contributed to the success of this memorable evening. 

Let us continue together to build a bright future for our community.

About Gino Beretta

Dr. Gino Berretta was born in Pisa, Italy. From a very young age, he distinguished himself in sports, specifically in American football. He, in fact, was the first Italian to be selected to play for the famous Montreal Alouettes team. Later, he pursued solid academic training in orthotics and prosthetics until he became the owner of J.E. Hanger, which today, thanks to him, is considered a leading company in North America in the production and distribution of orthopedic, prosthetic and surgical devices.

In addition to being a successful businessman, he is a well-known and appreciated personality in the Canadian community.He is also involved in numerous philanthropic works, such as the one for Shriners Hospital of which he is a great supporter. Dr. Berretta is a true leader in orthopedic and pediatric care. His impact has been instrumental in raising funds for the new Shriners Hospital building and improving the quality of new services dedicated to children most in need.

From 2017 to 2023, he held the important post of President of the Casa d'Italia with the goal of revitalizing it and making it once again the prestigious historical landmark of the Italian community in Quebec. The goal has been fully achieved and the Casa d'Italia can look to the future with renewed confidence thanks to his perseverance, his deep love for his origins, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the well-being and progress of our community.