Thank you to the many individuals and groups who, year-after-year, take time during the very busy Christmas season to bring cheer to the residents and staff of St. Louis Center.

A Long History

For the past 20 years, Al and Mary Chirco and friends from across Macomb County have done just this. Organized by Al and Mary, the group includes many members of several Italian-American cultural societies and churches.
On Saturday, December 7th, Al, Mary, and their friends, including multiple generations of families, arrived at the Center at 9am for Mass. (The group’s Salvatore Basilico, lead chef of their annual molto delizioso spaghetti with sausage dinner, headed straight for the newly renovated kitchen.) After Mass, the entire group went to work preparing the lunch and readying the gym for the arrival of the residents and staff.

The Set-Up

Prior to the event, the group had asked each resident what they would like from Santa, and Mary once again ensured that each received a specially curated and wrapped gift. Santa and his elves (Tony Randazzo and his grandchildren) personally delivered each resident his or her gift during the celebration. Numerous other members of the group not in attendance also donated gifts, food for the meal, and funds to the Center.

The group has recently named itself the Good Shepherd Group, a fitting title since they do so much to care for others. We look forward to welcoming its members for the 21st year in 2025!

The Federazione Abruzzese del Michigan (FADM) held its 25th Jubilee Charity Gala on October 20th at the Italian American Cultural Center. The evening included a family-style four-course meal, live entertainment, and a time for dancing. During the event, FADM President Pietro Fuciarelli (center) presented Fr. Enzo Addari (left) with a donation to St. Louis Center.