The 2023 Poinsettia Ball “Dream Team” (left to right): David and Shelly Carnevale, Ken and Pat Hacker, Bob Marchese, Kay Skripka, Sy Rosenthal, Judy Freidman, and Carolyn and Ken Minichiello
The Italian American Club’s 21st annual Poinsettia Ball was held on Dec. 1 in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom. This year’s event, which was attended by 250 people, was the first to feature a theme, “Let it Snow!” There was an abundance of snowflakes and blue, white, and silver decorations as well as signature winter drinks and snowball centerpieces.
During the cocktail hour, members and guests were entertained by the club’s own Bart Ventura, whose voice provided holiday cheer! Attendees then entered the ballroom to dine on shrimp and steak with tiramisu for dessert.
Another theme this year was “giving.” Thank you to Donna Strand, a club member and an event sponsor who gave a generous donation. Her generosity allowed the club to pass on the giving spirit to club members. One lucky club member’s name at each table was drawn as the winner of the table centerpiece to take home and enjoy. Additionally, all attendees were given a snowflake tree ornament as a keepsake for the evening.
The club’s executive committee approved three $1,500 donations each to local charities. Those selected were Luke AFB Family Services, New Life Center, and Homeless Youth Connection. The club feels fortunate to be able to provide holiday giving spirit for 2023 and 2024.
After dinner, live dancing entertainment was provided by Rhythm Edition, who added to their repertoire the Dean Martin classic “Let it Snow.” Lead singer Gloria Robles added to the fun by moving around the dance floor and tossing soft white “snowballs” to attendees at their tables.
All during the evening, guests were able to take pictures in front of the ballroom’s Christmas tree and a large winter backdrop.
The festivities officially ended at 10 p.m., but many attendees lingered for a while before leaving for the night. Special thanks to Shelly Carnevale and her “dream team” of Judy Freidman, Sy Rosenthal, Pat and Ken Hacker, Kay Skripka, Bob Marchese, Ken and Carolyn Minichiello, and David Carnevale who helped with the event planning and throughout the night.