National Sicilian American Foundation (NSAF)

Founders Celebration

On May14, 2004, the National Sicilian American Foundation (NSAF) was honored by the Italian Government in the City of San Francisco.  This recognition was for philanthropic deeds in donating time, money and services charities and for sharing their Sicilian heritage through cultural and social events.  The event was held at the Italian American Athletic Club located in the North Beach district of San Francisco attended by many prestigious Italian organizations i.e., The Order of Sons of Italy in America, National Italian American Foundation, Lucchesi Nel Mondo, Licuri Nel Mondo, Italian American Community Services Agency, and The Italo- Americano Museo.

Rosa Passanisi vice president of NSAF opened the evening’s event with a welcome address, and outlined the programs planned through out the year which contribute to public awareness about culture, traditions, accomplishments and the cuisine of Sicily.

Reverend Father Austin Conterno, SDB, a Salesian catholic priest of Saints Peter and Paul church, gave the invocation.  In his prayer of Thanksgiving he saluted the charitable deeds of the foundation in helping Italians in needs of assistance.

Alessandro Baccari, educator, historian, and honorary member of NSAF, Master of Ceremonies, praised the members of the foundation and its president Frank Bonfiglio, for their commitment to share with their fellow Americans, Sicily’s history, traditions and culture.

Francesco Sciortino, Consul General of Italy, gave the keynote address of the evening. He spoke of the wonderful work the foundation was doing in promoting communication and teamwork with other Italian organizations through out the United States in sponsoring scholarship programs and awards for high school and college students who show interests in Italian languages.  He also thanked the foundation for bringing the culture and the beauty of Sicily to the American public and for sponsoring special tours to visit Sicily. To Frank Bonfiglio he bestowed on him in behalf of the Italian government, Italy’s highest honor, the rank of “Commendatore della Stella della Solidarieta’ Italiana”. 

Mayor Gavin Newsom, proclaimed May 14th, as National Sicilian American Foundation Day in San Francisco. 

Giovanna Rovetti representing the Mayor presented the proclamation to President Bonfiglio with the following message from the Mayor:  “San Francisco thanks the Foundation for its charitable work and educational endeavors which benefit all San Franciscans.” 

At the conclusion of Ms. Rovetti’s remarks, Marco Fuoco a celebrated Californian artist who resides in Sacramento presented to Frank Bonfiglio a magnificent sculptured work of art featuring “the Trinacria”, Sicily’s 3000 year old symbol.

Frank Bonfiglio concluded the program paying tribute to the co-founding members of NSAF.  He stated: “How proud I am of the gift of friendship I have received from those who joined me in establishing the National Sicilian American Foundation”.