L'Italo-Americano

tion model launched in the U.S. market and already sold out for $3.2 million each. This is actual- ly the same strategy that the company used to employ in the 1950s and 1960s, when a few examples of Ferraris were manu- factured on clients' demand. This parade set a new record, becoming one of the largest Ferrari rallies of all times with 1,000 different models roaring through the streets of Beverly Hills in front of a thrilled audi- ence. Featured models were, among others, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari 250 GT California, a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 previously owned by actor Steve McQueen, and the 458 Speciale A, the latest creation of Maranello's engi- neers. The celebrations started on Saturday night, when David Gooding auctioned the first brand new Speciale A, presented at the Paris Auto Show and sold for $900,000 during the event at the City Hall. The proceeds from the auction were donated to Daybreak, the U.S. branch of the THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 5 5 United Lodges of Southern California, Order Sons of Italy in America, and Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California celebrated Columbus Day "La Rossa" in America: 60 years of passion On Sunday, October 12, the Italian American community of Los Angeles gathered together to celebrate the 552nd anniversary of Christopher Columbus'voy- ages to the New World, which led to the discovery of America. The Casa Italiana adjacent to St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church in Downtown LA hosted a solemn civic ceremony, pre- sented by United Lodges of Southern California, Order Sons of Italy in America, in collabora- tion with the Federated Italo- Americans of Southern California. After the morning Holy Mass, officiated by Rev. Louis Piran, the traditional program started with the opening remarks of Chairperson Vita Zaccaria, fol- lowed by the Honor Guard and Knights of Columbus led by Ron Manna, the Pledge of Allegiance performed by Federated's Immediate Past President Rosemarie Biagetti Vanderhaar, and the invocation of St. Peter's pastor. The Italian and U.S. national anthems were intoned by talented singer Maria Elena Infantino. Introduced by emcee Andrew Pampuro, editor of OSIA publi- cation Il Leone, keynote speaker and author Salvatore DiVita shared with the large audience a fascinating narration of Christopher Columbus' adven- turous story. Then, he left the stage to former California State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who said to be hon- ored to participate in the celebra- tions as a proud Italian American, and to Paolo Miliozzi, president of Fondazione Italia language school. Guest speakers Gabe Domenici, president of United Lodges of Southern California, Over half a century of ele- gance, style, and glamour: Ferrari paraded in Beverly Hills on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, after an exclusive Saturday night gala at the City Hall. The stun- ning exhibition of luxury cars attracted a large crowd of tourists and automotive enthusiasts, who gathered in the heart of Los Angeles on October 12, during a hot and unforgettable Sunday morning. Proud Ferrari owners showcased their treasures all along Rodeo Drive and exposed them to the flashes of eager pho- tographers, enjoying this once-in- a-lifetime opportunity. Piero Ferrari, son of the Italian brand's founder Enzo, stated that it was a real pleasure for him to see his father's achievements turning into a dream for so many people. He attended to the event with Sergio Marchionne, CEO of the FCA Group and Ferrari President, and FCA President John Elkann. Guest of honor was the F60 America, a 10-unit limited edi- Ann Potenza, Federated Italo- Americans of Southern California, and Lynn Lawrence Murphy, State President, Grand SILVIA SIMONETTI MARCO BRuNA Lodge of California, OSIA, were all presented a special gift on behalf of Los Angeles 15th District City Council Member Joe Buscaino, in recognition of their contribution to preserve the Italian heritage in the U.S. and in particular to commemorate Columbus Day. The pleasant afternoon con- tinued in a family-friendly atmosphere: lunch was served, catered by Portofino Ristorante of Federated's Past President Nick D'Egidio, and music enter- tainment began, provided by Anthony Ciaramitaro. Students from Benjamin Franklin Elementary Magnet School, Glendale Unified School District, danced tarantella wear- ing traditional costumes, and sung Italian evergreens Felicità, Viva la mamma, and Ciuri ciuri, directed by loving Yolanda Lella Wardeh. "The kids were wonder- ful! They represent the spirit of this festivity and are instrumen- tal in perpetuating our Italian culture," commented Federated's President Ann Potenza. Marco Zonni, Ann Potenza, Gabe Domenici, Lynn Lawrence Murphy, Vita Zaccaria, Rosemarie Vanderhaar, Ted SiebelaRaul D'Ordine, Marie Gianna Copek Italian fundraiser Telethon, com- mitted to financing the research on genetic diseases for almost 25 years. Hollywood stars like Megan Fox, Mary J. Blige, and the TV host Mario Lopez also con- tributed to make all of this possi- ble, promoting a historical repre- sentative of the unique elegance and high quality of made-in-Italy products worldwide. The stunning exhibition of Ferrari cars in Beverly Hills

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