Karen A. Talarico, executive director of the Cathedral Kitchen, Camden, will be one of three Italian-Americans honored tomorrow night at the Sons of Italy New Jersey Foundation’s fundraiser, the 2010 Purple Aster Charity Ball, to be held at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City.
Talarico will receive the foundation’s Golden Lion Award for her contribution to the community, charity, and fostering a positive image of Italians in America.
The Sons of Italy New Jersey Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Order of Sons of Italy in America, the oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian descent.
The Cathedral Kitchen is an independent nonprofit that provides meals and services to the poor in the city of Camden.
Also receiving the Golden Lion Award will be Marlene Z. Asselta, president of SNJDC, a non-profit organization founded in 1951 to promote responsible economic development in South Jersey, and Anthony F. Cappacio, president and business manager of Laborers Local 172.
“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to pay tribute to three distinguished Italian-Americans, for their strong leadership, professional accomplishments and commitment to community service. We are recognizing these award recipients not only for their unique contributions and dedication to their respective professions, but also for their ability to serve as a source of inspiration to the strong legacy of Italian Americans,” said Thomas A. Bergbauer, Jr., president of the Sons of Italy New Jersey Foundation.
For more information about the Sons of Italy Foundation, visit www.sonsofitaly.org