Dear Friends of SIAB,

We all know that 2020 was a very difficult year for everyone and every organization. COVID-19 caused postponements and cancellations of fund-raising events leading to new and creative ways to raise money in the Non-Profit Community. Even with very create ideas and virtual events the uncertainty of 2020 was stressful. Good Bye 2020!

As we look forward to 2021 and news ways to make an impact on the nonprofit community in the Harford County area SIAB is pleased to announce our 2021 Calendar of Events!

• March 26, 2021 – Spring 50/50 Raffle – $5,000 Grand Prize – 1st Runner Up Prize $2,500 – 2nd Runner Up Prize $1,500 and 3rd Runner Up Prize $1,000. The winning tickets will be drawn on the evening of March 26th at 6:30 PM Liberatore’s Ristorante in Bel Air.
  
• May 10, 2021 – Scholarship Awards Dinner – Richlin Catering and Event Center
  
• June 14, 2021 – Golf Outing – Benefiting the Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region. The event will be held at The Maryland Golf & Country Club.
  
• September 25, 2021 – Linguine & Crab Feast – Richlin Catering and Event Center
  
• Also, you will be able to see The SIAB Float and our members at the Holiday Parades throughout 2021.

SIAB will continue to look to develop additional methods and events that can help us have a positive impact in the community.

Sometimes when looking forward and planning for the future it is useful l to look back, reflect and use your progress as fuel for the future.

2020 RECAP

Early in 2020, The Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) were deep into planning our Spring Gala, which has grown over the past 7 years to be one of the “don’t miss” fund raising events in Harford County. Tickets sales were sold out, sponsorships, ad sales and donations were in full swing, then COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns hit. At first, like most other nonprofits in the community the initial reaction of SIAB was, “OK, we will postpone the Gala until late June if we have to.” Well, late June turned into Fall and then finally, cancellation. Back in early 2020, SIAB had received Grant applications from area 501 (c)3’s as was the normal process. Through our selection process, SIAB had selected Anna’s House (a Harford County shelter for homelessness) and CASA of Harford County (serving the needs of children in the foster care system) to be recipients of Grants totalling $50,000, giving $25,000 to each charity. Well, what to do as SIAB knew the charities selected needed the funds since raising donations in 2020 proved to be challenging for all non-profits. We turned to our loyal patrons (tickets purchasers, sponsors, and ad buyers), who over the past 7 years have come to trust SIAB as an “Impact Fundraiser” to do the right thing and always live up to their commitments. To that end over 70% of the patrons allowed SIAB to keep the money collected for the cancelled Gala. This act of generosity from the community allowed The SIAB to present Anna’s House and CASA of Harford County with checks of $25,000 each just before the Christmas Holiday.

While the two other SIAB signature events, the June Golf Outing and the September Linguine & Crab Feast had to be cancelled, SIAB using forward funding efforts from the previous year, were also able to give away an additional $27,000 in College Scholarships to 6 area students, and we were also able donate $3,750 in sponsorships to other 501 (c)3’s. So, while overall the $88,000+ donated to local charities was still significant given the COVID-19 challenges, the inability to hold events in 2020 has hinder our ability to donate money to the local charities at that level in 2021. But we will sure try!

Again, The Board of Directors of The SAIB want to than the community for your continued support! Without it we could not make the impact on those in need in Greater Harford County!

Va Tutto Bene!

Tony Palumbo
President
SAIB

Since the inception of the SIAB fund raising events starting in 2014, The Society of Italian American Businessmen have held 16 major events, given away 33 Scholarships totalling $103,000, $40,000 in event sponsorships and $350,000 in total Grants and Donations impacting 75 local 501 (c)3 non-profits. That is a $490,000 impact to the community in the organization’s short existence. All this was done while accumulating $200,000 in an Endowment Fund for future use for Scholarship and area Charities. The SIAB wants to thank the Greater Harford County community for their loyalty and support and sharing with them their values of PROMOTING HERITAGE. POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMAGE. FAMILY TRADITIONS. Va tutto bene! (It’s all good!)