On October 7, 2020, the Italian American Chamber of Commerce (IACCM) held its annual Festa Della Lira. The Festa Della Lira has been one of the IACCM’s main fundraising events going back to the 1990’s. The Festa Della Lira is a $10,000 reverse raffle fundraiser, the proceeds of which are used to supplement IACCM operations and various donations.  

Another highlight of the evening is the Basket of Cheer Raffle, which has provided thousands of dollars to local non-profit organizations.  Some of the organizations that have benefitted from the Basket of Cheer raffle over the years include: Leader Dogs for the Blind, Toys for Tots, Friends of Foster Kids and I-Care of Michigan.   

This year’s recipient was the Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT). Arthur White, MOT’s Director of External Affairs, attended the November 4 meeting to accept the donation on behalf of the MOT.   During the Covid-19 pandemic, the MOT has received acclaim for its innovative online presentations to keep the community engaged and provide fans their “opera fix”.  On September 20, MOT announced the appointment of Yuval Sharon as the Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director.   He made his mark immediately by creating and directing Twilight: Gods in October, a one-of-a-kind musical experience inside the Detroit Opera House Parking Center.  Part live performance, part immersive installation, audiences remained in their cars to experience scenes from the final opera of Wagner’s Ring Cycle on various levels of the parking structure.   The IACCM is proud to support the MOT at the beginning of this exciting new innovative era.