Benvenuti!

On October 12, 1929, New York City businessman and Italian immigrant Generoso Pope led a parade from East Harlem down to Columbus Circle. The parade celebrated Christopher Columbus’s explorations and the achievements and contributions of Italian-Americans to the landscape of New York and the United States. It was followed by a fund-raising dinner to benefit immigrants creating a new life for themselves in New York City.

The annual Columbus Day Parade is the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture and is broadcast on six continents, and the Gala Dinner brings together leaders of the United States and Italy for an evening that pays tribute to a centuries-old bond. The parade and dinner are just two of the events that are part of New York’s Columbus Celebration, held each October.

Through sponsorships of the parade, exhibitions, and gala, the Columbus Citizens Foundation raises millions of dollars to support the education of Italian-American students who have the drive to succeed in school and beyond, but not the means to reach their potential.

Please join us as we celebrate Italian-American heritage and traditions, Italy and the United States, and as we provide educational opportunities for hundreds of deserving students.