Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco honored Barbara Ann Zippi as “Person Of The Year” at its 20th Annual Dinner Dance at the Heritage Ballroom last week. Zippi, president of Artemis Productions, a public relations and event planning firm, is also the founder of the Italian American Heritage Festival in Rose Tree Park. This past June, the festival drew thousands of people from the tri-state area and beyond for a day of entertainment, food and family fun.
Zippi accepted the award from Abruzzese Delco President Nick Rapagnani. She offered words of praise and pride for her Italian heritage, noting that the work ethic and values of her Italian ancestors have made her who she is today.
Zippi is current president of The Press Club Serving The Philadelphia Suburbs and has a long history of volunteerism, serving on numerous boards and committees of community groups and organizations in the Philadelphia area.
“My parents and grandparents raised me as a proud Italian American,” Zippi said. “My aunts and uncles added flavor and a cast of characters to my life, from my Uncle Ray Acciavatti who did the brickwork on the Betsy Ross House to my Uncle Al Alberts who made “Three Coins In The Fountain” an international hit. I am deeply honored by this award and look forward to honoring my Italian American culture for years to come.”
Other members of Abruzzese Delco who were part of the dinner dance program included Dr. James Colombo, Lou DiPietro, Fr. Paolo Oggioni, John Hanniskick, Keith Shuman, Dr. Thoimas Benedetti, Peg DeGrassa, Dr. Enzo Centofanti., Hon. Salvatore Ferrigno, Dr. Luigi Scotto, Casilda Quaciari, Anna Rapagnani, Joseph Generosi, Rosemary DiBerardo, Ines DeMarco and John Carzo.
Awards were also given to students Trinity Pellegrin of Neumann University and George Romasco of Widener University for their achievement in Italian Studies.
National Anthems were sung by members of IL Coro and Gabriele D’Annunzio. Music for the dinner dance was provided by Fulvio and Sal.
For more information on Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco, contact president Nick Rapagnani at 610-874-4149 or visit www.abruzzidelco.com.
