UNICO of Merrimack Valley, celebrating its 23nd year as a chapter of UNICO National, recently announced that it has raised and distributed over $450,000 to local charities during its years.
A charity golf tournament was held at the Haverhill County Club on Sept. 24 as the club’s annual and only fundraiser. The event raised another $28,000.
The co-chairmen of the event, Larry Ardito and Al Torrisi and their golf committee worked tirelessly to make this event a success, according to a release.
“The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative, since we enjoyed a perfect 75-degree New England summer day. What s spectacular way to raise money for a worthy cause and have fun too,” said Ardito in a release.
According to Al Torissi, “we distributed over $35,000 to organizations and individuals this past year alone. Some of the local charities include: Lazarus House, Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, COR Unum, Bellesini Academy, Esperanza Academy, Ironstone Farm, Essex Art Center, Prof. Center for Child Development, Family Services, Lawrence History Center and Foster Kids of Merrimack Valley, in additional to St. Ann’s Home.”
“While we do have a great time playing golf, especially on such a beautiful day. It’s only through the generosity, dedication and hard work from the golfers, members, volunteers and sponsors that really make the difference between success and failure. This is our only fundraiser, and it’s very important to our club and to the benefactors of our efforts, that this event continues to raise the money we need to support the community,” he said in a release.
UNICO Merrimack Valley had pledged $60,000 over the past three years for the St. Ann’s Home capital campaign. Through a matching grant from the Peter Lynch Foundation, the total amount that was received by St. Ann’s Home was $150,000.
St. Ann’s Home has been providing services to disadvantaged children since 1925.
UNICO National is the largest Italian-American Service Organization in the United States.
