"Little Italy" San Jose Hosts Gala Event in Downtown San Jose

Building Support for Italian American Businesses and Organizations in Downtown San Jose

• Press Release
• Source: “Little Italy” San Jose
• On 9:00 am EST, Tuesday November 10, 2009

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Little Italy” San Jose (www.littleitalysj.com), will host a fundraising gala event on Saturday, November 21, 2009 to introduce its vision of establishing an entry way for Italian American businesses and organizations in downtown San Jose.

The “Little Italy” San Jose project initiative is comprised of business, political, and cultural organizations interested in enhancing Italian business development and cultural activities within the community.

“Our goal this year is to execute on our vision of establishing an Italian cultural business district,” said Josh Melander, director, “Little Italy” San Jose project. “All proceeds from the fundraising gala will be used to construct entry archways and murals depicting Santa Clara County’s rich Italian American history.”

The proposed site for “Little Italy” San Jose is located in the River Street area of downtown San Jose, a few blocks from the HP Pavilion. The River Street area was home to the area’s first Italian American settlers in 1870’s through early 1900’s and is thus the ideal location for San Jose’s own “Little Italy.”

Historic homes will be refurbished and renovated to house restaurants, bars, and shops to bring new energy to downtown San Jose. The district already has an Italian school open for business called Sabatino Memorial Resource Center. Additional businesses will be announced as the program progresses.

ABOUT THE GALA EVENT

A formal cocktail reception featuring Italian cuisine and wines donated by:

Mauricio’s Ristorante, Siciliano Ristorante, La Pastaia, center, Tony and Alba’s, La Biscoterria Bakery, Romolo’s Cannoli factory, Chiaramonte’s Sausage, Gelato Massimo, Slice of New York, and Quintessential Wines. Sabatino Memorial Resource and the Italian American Heritage Foundation

Entertainment

Featuring world-class singer and artist, PASQULE ESPOSITO, (www.itialianmusicman.com)

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $75.00 and at the door for $85.00.

For more information about the gala event, please visit our website at www.littleitalysj.com.

SPONSORSHIP/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Please visit our website at www.littleitalysj.com and learn more about how you and/or your business can be involved and join us as a member. Bricks will be sold and installed in the sidewalks and crosswalks of Little Italy San Jose, celebrating the legacy of our forefathers and current families and businesses. These bricks will be a constant reminder of our past, present, and future and an opportunity to honor our Italian heritage and history for generations to come.

ABOUT “LITTLE ITALY” SAN JOSE

“Little Italy” San Jose (www.littleitalysj.com) is a non-profit organization and a 501© (3) together with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (www.svcf.com).

Padovani Communications
“Little Italy” San Jose Project
Marguerite Padovani, 408-399-4713
padovanicom@earthlink.net