WHAT:
The County of Santa Clara, CA USA/Province of Florence, Italy Sister County Commission will celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Commission’s biennial Medici Masked Ball, where it will honor outstanding community and business leaders with the 2012 Medici Medallion. Hundreds of supporters are expected to attend, including an official delegation from Italy led by the Province and Council of Florence presidents. Performance by Italian artists, dancing, silent and live auctions.
WHO:
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors
Delegation from the Province of Florence led by President Andrea Barducci and Council President David Ermini
County of Santa Clara, CA USA/Province of Florence Italy Sister County Commission
2012 Medici Medallion Awardees Marilyn and Frank Dorsa, Marge Valente and Joan and Richard Della Maggiore
Florence Sister County Friends and Supporters
Special Performance by Pianist Edoardo Turbil and Cellist Miriam Prandi, from Scuola di Musica di Fiesoli
Entertainment by: Pasquale Esposito
WHY:
The County of Santa Clara, CA, USA/Province of Florence, Italy Sister County Commission is proud of its 25-year relationship with the Province of Florence, Italy. Numerous achievements reflect the Commission’s dedication to promoting and understanding the Italian culture and heritage. The Medici Masked Ball, the Commission’s signature fundraising event, supports the work of the commission, whose mission is to foster the exchange of art, commerce, culture education and technology between the people and governments of the County of Sana Clara and the Province of Florence, Italy.
For information about the Florence Sister County Commission 25th Anniversary Medici Masked Ball, including RSVP and sponsorship opportunities, call (408) 299-5115 or visit:www.sccgov.org/mediciball
The Medici Medallion “Citizen of the Year” awards recognize recipients who demonstrate great generosity and community involvement. The Medici Medallion is presented to prominent citizens of Santa Clara County who typify philanthropic, intellectual and cultural awareness as exemplified in the spirit of the Renaissance.
About the Honorees
Marge Valente
2012 Medici Medallion Citizen of the Year
Marge Valente has been a tireless volunteer for non-profits in Santa Clara County for the last 30 years. Some of the organizations she has served are Hope Rehabilitation Services, Catala Club of Santa Clara University, Italian American Heritage Foundation, where she was President in 1989 and 2006, and chaired the Italian Family Festa for five years, and many more. She is a past member of the County of Santa Clara, CA, USA/Province of Florence Sister County Commission.
Marge Valente is a true native of San Jose, where she has lived with her husband of 70 years, John Valente. Marge’s professional career spanned 40 years, covering secretarial, administrative and financial management positions, culminating with 25 years at IBM Corporation.
Following her “retirement,” Marge has put her corporate experience and skills to good use, volunteering tirelessly for non-profits in Santa Clara County for the past three decades.
Marge has been the “reservation queen” of over 200 events and a phenomenal volunteer. The County of Santa Clara Province of Florence Sister County Commission has been very fortunate to have Marge as a former commissioner, a treasurer, and a volunteer extraordinaire.
Marilyn and Frank Dorsa
2012 Medici Medallion Citizens of the Year
Marilyn and Frank Dorsa are San Jose natives who have contributed greatly to the Italian community and the arts. For over four decades, Frank and Marilyn have been strong business leaders and philanthropists, shining as terrific examples for their dedication to the community. Marilyn has served on numerous arts and philanthropic boards and committees. She was on the founding board of the San Jose Museum of Art, a board member of Opera San Jose, president of the San Jose Art League, president of the board of Santa Clara University’s De Saisset Museum, and a member of the Grandview League and Valle Monte League.
Marilyn served as chair of the County of Santa Clara, Province of Florence Sister County Commission, where she was a member for 13 years. Frank has been a member of the Knights of St. John for many years. Together Marilyn and Frank have supported many charities and organizations in our community, including the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, Arts Council Silicon Valley, Broadway San Jose, Family Support Housing, Live Oak Adult Day Care Center, Lucile Packard Children Hospital, March of Dimes, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Joan and Richard Della Maggiore
2012 Medici Medallion Citizens of the Year
Joan and Richard Della Maggiore live in south Santa Clara County, where they are very involved in charity and philanthropic causes. They support the South County Catholic High School, the Bishops Circle, the Salvation Army, and the National Guard Armory, in Gilroy, Martha’s Kitchen, and the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose.
Joan is currently serving on St. Catherine’s Parish Council, and they both serve on the St. Catherine’s annual golf classic committee. Richard is currently a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Italian Catholic federation.
Joan and Richard continue to dedicate their time and resources to the less fortunate through their work at reach out.
