Our Story, Our Missione
Founded in 1980, GRIAA is the greater Rockford area's conservatory of Italian culture — built entirely by volunteers who believe heritage is worth preserving.
Who We Are
Our Italian culture is one steeped in rich history and traditions. That's why it is important for Italian Americans to keep in touch with their roots and share their pride and heritage.
Our association was founded in 1980. Originally known as The Columbus Day Committee, the Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) strives to follow our mission given to us by the original Rockford Italian charter members. These members have celebrated the Italian culture and have given meaning to the true roots of our heritage.
A non-profit organization headed and staffed solely by volunteers, GRIAA serves as a conservatory of Italian culture and traditions. It provides the community an opportunity to experience the customs and traditions of Italy firsthand by participating in a variety of educational programs and public events provided by our GRIAA Committees.
"To promote the Italian culture, sponsor social events and activities, and perform works of charity and philanthropy benefiting the local Italian-American community."
— GRIAA MISSION STATEMENTFour Decades of Heritage
From a single Columbus Day celebration to one of the region's most active Italian American organizations — our history is one of community, pride, and generosity.
1980
Founded as The Columbus Day Committee by Rockford's Italian charter members, dedicated to celebrating Italian culture and heritage in the greater Rockford area.
1980s – 1990s
Evolved into the Greater Rockford Italian American Association. Committees formed for culture, education, dance, scholarships, and community service — all volunteer-run.
2000s
Festa Italiana established as GRIAA's flagship annual event and primary scholarship fundraiser, growing into one of Rockford's most beloved cultural celebrations.
Today
Over $700,000 in scholarships awarded. Ten active committees. Hundreds of volunteers. And a community still as passionate about Italian heritage as the founding members were in 1980.
Our Core Values
CULTURA
Serving as a living conservatory of Italian traditions — language, cuisine, dance, music, and the arts — ensuring they are experienced firsthand by our community.
COMUNITÀ
Bringing people together through events that celebrate heritage, build lasting friendships, and honor the contributions of Italian Americans to the Rockford region.
CARITÀ
Giving back through scholarships, charitable works, and philanthropy — rooted in the generosity and spirit our ancestors brought with them from Italy.
GRIAA Officers & Board
Mike Maffioli
Chair
Karen Cantele
Co-Chair
Brianne Canova
Treasurer
Mike Doyle
Secretary
Gene & Shirley Fedeli
Directors Emeritus
Committee Leadership
AMICI ITALIANI (ADULT)
- Bea Giammarese Ricotta
- Stephanie Ricotta
- Johnny Fandel
AMICI ITALIANI (YOUTH)
- Pauline Urso
- Anna Mirabile
COLUMBUS DAY MASS
- Carl Ambruoso
- Anna Mirabile
- Vicki Locasio Dombrowski
- Michele Fandel
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Jasper St. Angel
- Steve Salvato
CULTURE & EDUCATION
- Frank Perrecone
- Bea Giammarese Ricotta
- Rosie Scalise Sheridan
FESTA ITALIANA
- Mike Maffioli
- Joy Parlapiano
- Fortunato Salamone
- Jay Villani
- Frank Tarara
HALL OF FAME & RECOGNITION
- Karen Cantele
- Whitey Marinelli
- Frank Valentine
HALL OF FAME BANQUET
- Carl Ambruoso
- Karen Cantele
- Michele Fandel
- Johnny Fandel
- Anna Mirabile
- Joy Parlapiano
ITALIAN OPEN
- Don DiGiovanniMen's
- Pamela SaladinoWomen's
PAPPAGALLO NEWSLETTER
- Paul Arco
- Mike Doyle
- Frank Perrecone
PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Valeri DeCastris
- Mike Doyle
SCHOLARSHIPS
- Ben Todaro
- Frank Valentine
SISTER CITY
- Karen Cantele
- Valeri DeCastris
SOCIAL MEDIA
- Bea Giammarese Ricotta
- Stephanie Ricotta
WEBSITE MANAGEMENT
- Johnny Fandel
- Bea Giammarese Ricotta
Become Part of La Famiglia
GRIAA is powered entirely by volunteers — people who believe that Italian heritage is worth celebrating and preserving for future generations.
Whether you have a few hours a year or want to lead a committee, there's a place for you in GRIAA.
Get in Touch
Have questions about GRIAA, our programs, or upcoming events? Want to volunteer or join a committee? We'd love to hear from you.
CONTACT US