The Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula held its 16th annual Honoree Dinner at the Marriott Hotel on Friday with more than 100 people in attendance. The society, which was founded in 1975, works to honor and preserve the Italian culture, stories and traditions that have been present in the Monterey Peninsula community for over a century.

“The goal is to retain the heritage,” said Italian Heritage Society President Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton. At this annual event, the Italian Heritage Society honors people who are connected to the local Italian community and have made notable contributions to the Monterey area.