Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Hosts 24th Annual Fundraiser Brunch Today

Today, November 17, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum will hold its 24th Annual Fundraiser Brunch at LiGreci's Staaten. This year's honorees are Thom Lupo, New York State President of the Order Sons of Italy in America; Carol and Rocco Berardi, and outgoing museum commissioners Gloria Colantone, Gil DeCosimo and Anthony Naccarato.

Staten Island's historic Italian landmark, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

The cost of $65 includes a sumptuous brunch. Proceeds will go to fund the museum's cultural exhibitions and programs. LiGreci's Staaten is located at 697 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310.

For more information call 718-442-1608 or e-mail info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the restroom is on the second floor.

At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation; Coccia Foundation; JP Morgan Chase Regrant in partnership with the Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI); The Staten Island Foundation; The Lois and Richard Nicotra Foundation and by grants allocated by New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned by the Sons of Italy Foundation and administered by the NYSOSIA?GMM Board of Commissioners.