- Michael Cucchiara
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
 | "Fa' del bene e scordalo, fa' il male e pensaci" - “Do good and forget it, do bad and think about it” - True charity is done selflessly without seeking praise or keeping score.. |  |
Upcoming Meetings/Events - Save The Date(s)
June Wed June 17th Monthly Meeting @Trezo Mare 4105 N. Mulberry Dr. North Kansas City, MO 64116 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm | July Wed July 22nd Monthly Meeting @Casone’s 3737 N. Oak Trfwy Kansas City, MO 64116 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm | August Wed August 19th Monthly Meeting @Caddy Shack 700 E. 3rd St., Kansas City, MO 64106 Cocktails at 6pm Dinner at 7pm
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Buon giorno!
Summer is upon us! Children are out of school, backyard grills are heating up, swimming pools are filling up, vacations are being planned, and our biggest event of the year is in the books. I hope everyone has some time to settle in and enjoy some of the summer season relaxing with family and friends.
For the Cucchiara’s, we are getting ready for our first trip to Italy! Sarah and I are taking our “tre figli” to spend time in Como, Rome, Palermo and Castlevetrano (namesake hometown). Then wrap up with a few days in NYC! Please say a few prayers for on-time flights, good health, and good weather!
Festa Italiana Follow Up — We were very fortunate with the weather this year. Mother Nature found a way to spread her rain, while keeping our Festa hours into consideration. We had storms overnight, but never any rain during our event, and for that we are truly blessed. While final numbers are still being tallied, this is shaping up to be another good year for our event. I cannot thank every UNICAN enough for their support and dedication. Whether you sponsored, bought VIP tables, bid on the auctions, volunteered, or simply bought a Bellini, every single contribution helped make this event successful.
My sincerest of thanks to the many UNICAN’s and families who was able to volunteer again this year. So many of our members invested hours of service to make this event happen, it is truly humbling and very much appreciated. If I did not see you, my sincerest apologies, but know I am every grateful.
I would also send out a very special thanks to our Festa Committee. Each one of you embody the UNICO motto of “Service Above Self.” This committee participated in monthly meetings since January, in addition to the hours they invested on their own time to plan and support the event. And then Festa weekend, many use vacations days starting on Thursday and Friday to set up for the event. Then they spend virtually the entire weekend, sun-up to event close, working the event. Words are not enough to thank these members.
This year we gave away $66k in scholarship to 42 deserving students on Sunday afternoon, and with your support, next year will be even more!
Annual Dues —It is time to collect our Annual Dues. Our cost of membership is $100 per person, with $70 going to UNICO National. If you are a new member that joined in the 2026 calendar year and have already paid, nothing is due at this time.
Heritage Committee —The Heritage committee continues to do great work. If you are interested in what they are doing, and/or just want to say high, I am sure they would welcome your attendance. Just reach out with any questions.
Bring a potential member — The June monthly meeting is a good time to bring a potential member with you as your guest to dinner. Our Chapter covers the dinner expense for all 1st time guests you have invited as a potential member.
Youth Membership — if you are 18-25 years old, our chapter will cover the cost of your national enrollment, as well as the cost of any monthly dinners you attend. Please share and reach out with any questions.
Website News:
Did you snap some great photos at this year's Festa? We'd love to see them! Whether it's you, your family, or your friends enjoying the food, music, entertainment, and festivities, share your favorite moments with us.
Simply upload your photos using the link below, and we'll feature them on the website's home page as they come in. It's a great way to relive the fun and show off the amazing spirit of our Festa community.
A presto,
Michael A. Cucchiara