WTI Magazine #72    2015 November 13
Author : Angie Spitalieri      Translation by:

In 1995, a group of prominent business leaders in Cleveland held small group meetings to discuss how to best honor their Italian-American heritage, culture and traditions. This group later became the Northern Ohio Italian American Foundation (NOIA). Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the group continues to work to preserve the Italian culture and honor Italian history throughout northern Ohio. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NOIA was organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including the support of religious and educational institutions and community organizations associated with the perpetuation of Italian-American culture and ideals.

NOIA's Executive Director Angela Spitalieri, coordinated a variety of events throughout 2015 to celebrate the anniversary. "We are a group of people who are proud and passionate about our Italian heritage, and we want to share that passion with others."

NOIA will hold its annual gala on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. At this year's event, NOIA will also announce three grants totaling $500,000, commemorating the past two decades of philanthropic leadership.

The NOIA Hall of Fame was established in 1999 to highlight Italian-Americans in the fields of Education and Community Service, Medicine, Sports, Business, Religion, and Government. These awards are presented each year at the NOIA Gala. At this year's gala,"A Night of Memories," Tommy LiPuma will be honored as the 2015 NOIA Hall of Fame inductee.

The foundation continues to grow and now boasts more than 200 members and has raised more than $3 million for charity. Contributions of $1 million or more have gone to restore the sacristy of St. John's Cathedral in downtown Cleveland. Other benefactors include the Cleveland Italian Cultural Gardens, Cleveland Art Museum, the Opera Per Tutti, Tommy LiPuma Center for Creative Arts as well as four local parishes at St. Rocco's, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Holy Redeemer and Holy Rosary churches.