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In September of 2002, some of Los Angeles’ most prominent Italian-American citizens got together and produced the first annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles, offering three days of enjoyment for the entire family. Just like the 80+ year old New York City tradition, the Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles celebrates Italian culture, food and entertainment, and features live music, street performers, strolling musicians, a kid’s corner, and many rides and games. In addition to sampling wine from local wineries and food from some of Los Angeles’ best Italian restaurants, guests are invited to learn recipes from the cooking stage and play bocce ball and bingo with some of Hollywood’s Italian-American celebrities and much more!
The Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles is produced by The San Gennaro Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, established to aid children and families in need in the Los Angeles area. Prima Notte, the star-studded, opening night fundraising gala hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla, offers guests a preview of the weekend festivities, while honoring outstanding members of the community and raising funds for the Foundation.
The mission of The San Gennaro Foundation is to uphold the principles that were established by St. Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, Italy who worked tirelessly to help people in need. In addition to raising necessary funds, the group seeks to perpetuate cultural identity and solidarity within the Italian-American community and to propagate unity and cooperation among Italian Americans. All events put on by the Foundation are intended to embody the attributes of generosity and goodwill that define the Italian spirit. All are welcome to attend the St. Gennaro Procession and Mass, which takes place during the Feast weekend.
Excerpts from 2007 Tribute Book:
“Some of my fondest childhood memories are those of the Italian feasts we celebrated in Brooklyn and then later, Las Vegas. Nine years ago, my friend Doug DeLuca and I decided that Los Angeles deserved its own San Gennaro feast and we set out to make that happen. Thanks to the efforts and generosity of our many great sponsors and volunteers, the feast has become a much-anticipated and well-loved annual event. But the feast isn’t only about diving headfirst into a sack of zeppoles. It is about coming together to celebrate Italian-American culture and, more importantly, making time for family and friends.”
Jimmy Kimmel
Late Night Talk Show Host, Jimmy Kimmel Live
Chairman, San Gennaro Foundation
“My goal as your president is not only to help us grow, but to ensure that we stay true to the reason we have a feast. First and utmost, is to be proud of and celebrate our Italian culture. With that in mind we must never forget that Saint Gennaro is our spiritual leader and our inspiration. His quality of loyalty and his never-ending works to help the poor should be our goal…By staying loyal to Saint Gennaro’s beliefs, we can make a difference in the world.”
Frankie Competelli
Restaurateur, Frankie’s on Melrose
President, Feast of San Gennaro LA
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOUNDING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jimmy Kimmel, Chairman
’07-Present, Vice Chair ’02-‘06
Doug DeLuca, Chairman ’02-‘06
Gregg Cannizarro, President ’02-‘05
Joe Cerrell, VP ’02-Present
Frankie Competelli, President ’06-Present,
VP ’02-’05
Victoria Dolceamore, VP ’02-‘06
Art Grenci, VP ’02-‘05
Gina Kimmel, Treasurer ’02-Present
Mario Macaluso, VP ’02-‘07
Mike Marino, VP’02-‘07
Fred Tredy VP, ’02-Present
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jimmy Kimmel, Chairman
Frankie Competelli, Director
Gina Kimmel, Director
Mario Macaluso, Director
Fred Tredy, Director
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Frankie Competelli President
Joe Cerrell Vice Chair NIAF, VP Govt
Linda Desiante VP Fundraising
Madeline Di Nonno VP Marketing
Chris Gabriele VP Charity
Joey Gian VP Entertainment
Margi Higashi VP Public Relations
Ann Potenza VP Operations
Mike Sinclair VP Cultural
Fred Tredy VP Community
Gina Kimmel Treasurer
Lisa DiSanto Secretary
Jennifer Mansueto Recording Secretary
GENERAL COUNSEL
Claire Ambrosio, Esq.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ann Potenza
HONORARY MEMBERS
City Council President Eric Garcetti,
Adam Carolla, Bill Conti, Tony Danza,
Robert Davi, Dom DeLuise, John Griffith,
Patricia Lalama, Joe Mantegna, Deana Martin,
Gianni Russo, Gary Stines
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Auctions: Gina Kimmel
Bingo: Eric Marseglia
Bocce: Jim Riggio
Charity Game Booths: Gina Kimmel
Cooking Stage: Filippo Voltaggio
Cooking Stage: Richard Lombardi
Entertainment/Talent: Joey Gian
Entertainment/Stage: Jennifer Mansueto
Entertainment/Stage: Sara Scorcia
Entrance/Staff: Gina Kimmel
Genealogy Booth: Mike Sinclair
Kid’s Corner: Liz Travale
Miss San Gennaro: Gregorio Casalenuovo
Newsletter: Lisa DiSanto
Procession: Frankie Competelli
Recipe Book: Margi Higashi
Recipe Book: Micki Marseglia
Scholarships: Pete Tubiolo
Sponsorship: Linda Desiante
Vendors/Food: Frankie Competelli
Vendors/Non-Food: Ann Potenza
Volunteers: Lisa DiSanto
Volunteers: Karin Londgren
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