On September 29th, 2024, the Italian American Club of Livonia hosted its annual Fall Harvest Fest to support the residents of St. Louis Center.
The season of Fall brings people together for times of fellowship and celebration. It is a beautiful time of year when people live generously and give graciously. St. Louis Center is a place blessed by the beauty that Fall brings, from the colorful trees to the wonderful events put on by staff and supporters. One particular event that is eagerly anticipated every year is the Italian American Club of Livonia’s Annual Fall Harvest Fest. This event is an exciting one where individuals who are both supporters of St. Louis Center and the Club come together in celebration of their community and friendships.
On September 29th, individuals gathered in a beautiful space called the Italian American Club of Livonia Banquet Center for the 2024 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest. The event began with the silent auction, where attendees could bid on auction items, buy tickets for special prize drawings, and spend time catching up with one another. After the perusing and bidding had ended, the live auction began. Some particularly special items auctioned included a windchime, hand-crafted by an SLC resident, and a beautiful pearl necklace brought all the way from India by Fr. Satheesh.
Let the Fun Begin
After a highly successful live auction, announcements and speeches were made. Next came one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening: the grand entrance of a group of St. Louis Center residents. They took their time waving to the guests and enjoyed the glory on the way to their seats; just their presence filled the room with an uplifting and lively feeling. Right away, to the residents’ delight, a gourmet dinner of four courses was served. After the main course the audience was given the rare opportunity to watch a couture cannoli construction in action.
Gabriella Serraiocco brought a mobile version of her company, Motor City Cannoli Queens, along with many of her specialty cannoli, for attendees to buy. But the fun didn’t stop there. Gabriella also brought couture cannoli-making kits! During her demonstration, she invited SLC resident Jacquie Pompuch to the stage with her to make her own cannoli. Gabriella walked Jacquie and the audience through the process of the construction very clearly in case they wanted to buy their own cannoli-making kits. Although this was Jacquie’s first time making one of these delectable desserts, she seemed to be a pro and was enjoying her creation in no time.
Joy is Complete
To end the day, the banquet center served ice cream and opened up the floor to more socializing and overall merriment. Overall, this event went on without a hitch and was a great opportunity to spend time with friends and support St. Louis Center. In the end, the IACL raised more than $55,000.
As the sun sets on this year’s Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest, we are reminded of the warmth and connection that the season brings. The gathering not only celebrated the rich traditions of the Italian American Club of Livonia, but also showcased the spirit of community and generosity that defines St. Louis Center. From the lively auctions to the delightful culinary experiences, each moment fostered friendships and created lasting memories. The funds raised will significantly impact our residents, enabling us to continue providing enriching experiences and support. As we reflect on this successful event, we look forward to the future, eager to embrace the spirit of giving that the Fall season inspires. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community—one celebration at a time.
Read the entire issue of St. Louis Spirit here!