This one of a series of articles, as part of the feature called "Helpers", which focuses on people and organizations that help make our community better.
This time we focus on the goodwill efforts ofNorth Bay's Davedi Club, to show support to front-line workers during the pandemic.
Every year there's an election at The Davedi Club, and every year for 16 years, Vince Orlando has been elected club president.
"I really love it, I love giving back. The club is non-profit, and while it's known as an Italian Club, we are truly multi-cultural with 21 different nationalities represented in our membership of several hundred," says Orlando.
Typically, Orlando says the club gives 80% of its revenues (from rentals, events like the grape-stomping, spaghetti dinners, weekly lunches, etc.) back to the community. They're proud to help things like the Santa Fund, the Food Bank, mental health, the Hospice and more.
During the COVID pandemic, they came up with a new way to give back and show appreciation.
They've started to pay weekly visits to front-line and essential workers, bringing armloads of their tasty Italian dishes like lasagna, salads, and more.
"These are the people who have been looking out for us, and keeping things going, long before the pandemic. Now with the pandemic, we thought it was a good time to start showing some appreciation for what they do for us," explains Orlando.
They've been visiting a different location each week, including pharmacies, the staff at Casselholme for the aged as well as a variety of first responders including paramedics.
Orlando says they plan to continue this for the foreseeable future since it's been so well received.
"You know, every year we help over 50 charities and organizations, and this is a great way to continue that spirit of giving," he adds.
