About IHF
Our story, our leaderhip, our legacy – honoring heritage by building futures.
President's Message
Saluti e benvenuti alla Fondazione Patrimonio Italiano! (Greetings and welcome to the Italian Heritage Foundation!)
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of this remarkable organization that celebrates our Italian heritage while giving back to the Greater Rochester community through educational scholarships and charitable initiatives.
Having been involved with the Foundation since I was 20 years old, this organization holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the passion, generosity, and dedication of the individuals who have built upon the vision established by our founders more than six decades ago. Today, I am proud to work alongside an exceptional group of business and community leaders who remain committed to preserving our traditions while ensuring our Foundation continues to grow and thrive for future generations.
How we fulfill our mission is just as important as the impact we make. True to our Italian heritage, our Foundation brings people together through friendship, family, great food, laughter, and a shared sense of community. We take tremendous pride in celebrating our culture and invite everyone, regardless of nationality, to join us in our events, traditions, and philanthropic efforts.
Thank you for your continued support of the Italian Heritage Foundation. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our events and sharing in the traditions, values, and fellowship that make this organization so special.
Un saluto e a presto,
Sincerely,
Frank Sorge
President, Italian Heritage Foundation
Our History
In the middle of the 20th century, Italian Americans felt that they were not considered as socially desirable as the rest of the American population. Realizing that changes in perceptions were needed, six prominent Italian Americans began a far-reaching crusade to demonstrate their ethnicity’s worth to the Greater Rochester, NY community. It would begin with a mission to create an awareness that Italian Americans were indeed a people capable of doing good for those who were neglected and less fortunate in society. To that end, a Foundation for charitable giving was created as a New York State Not-for-Profit corporation with U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) status — the entity now known as the Italian Heritage Foundation of Rochester.
During the post-World War II era, funds were raised to support war-torn Europe’s orphans, and when that challenge was met, to aid children who were physically or mentally challenged or economically disadvantaged. The Foundation sought neither recognition nor reward for what it did, except perhaps for a smile from a child who thought he or she had no reason to smile.
In 2007, the Foundation sharpened its focus and embarked on a new challenge facing the Greater Rochester community: helping students continue their education in private high schools by providing scholarship assistance based on financial need. The Foundation’s members believe that students who do not finish high school deprive themselves of the opportunity to go to college — necessary to move up the social and economic strata.
Since 2008, the Italian Heritage Foundation of Rochester has granted over $1,491,700 to private high schools in Monroe County for educational purposes. This is accomplished through a Golf Tournament, a Spring Reverse Raffle Dinner, and an Italian Heritage Gala Dinner. As is the Foundation’s tradition, the majority of the funds raised are used for charitable purposes. The Foundation also plans to support other community charitable entities with specific initiatives.
The Directors of the Foundation realize that they are stewards of their Italian heritage. Attendance at committee and board meetings and active participation is a must. Directors support the Foundation in meaningful ways, including being a financial benefactor of one of the organization’s three major events and supporting the Foundation’s endowment.
The Italian Heritage Foundation’s members are proud of their roots and grateful for the opportunities that the Greater Rochester, NY community has provided them. The Foundation endeavors to give back to the community some of the goodness it has been given.
Officers & Directors
Officers
Frank Sorge
Partner, Wealth Advisor
Weidner Sorge Wealth Partners
John Colaruotolo
Samuel P. Merlo, Esq.
Michael Tambe
President,
Tambe Electric
Frank Guido
Daniela Qualidieri
Mario DiLuigi
Frank Pavia
Phil Pecora
President & CEO,
Genesee Regional Bank
Marcello Battisti
Tony Meleo
Directors
Rachel Baranello
Harris Beach PLLC
Christopher J. Calabrese, Esq.
Susan Calabrese-Cirocco
Client Liaison/Showroom Support and Operations; Stickley Furniture
Yvonne Caternolo
Executive Director
Anthony Cotroneo, Esq.
Paul DeCarolis
Joel DiMarco
President, Admar Supply
Mark Eidlin
Patrick Manuel
Robert Porretti, CPA
Laura Calabrese
Honorary Directors
- Sen. James Alesi
- Ron Billitier
- John L. DiMarco, Sr.
- John DiMarco, II
- Frank DiMino
- Giovanni LiDestri
- Bruce Zicari
Deceased Directors Emeritus
- Donn J. Calabrese
- Dr. Joseph Carbone
- Frank Cardoni
- Hon. Edmund Calvaruso
- Stephen D’Orazio
- Ralph DiTucci
- Joseph Floreano
- Peter Formicola
- Sheriff Andrew P. Meloni
- Albert Mercury
IHF Yearbook
Documenting and sharing memories of our wonderful annual events and activities helps better preserve our proud heritage. The Italian Heritage Foundation of Rochester is pleased to publish an annual Yearbook featuring student success stories, our history, information about our Board of Directors, event photos, and ads from the many organizations that support our mission.
We recognize every friend and supporter of the Foundation as a valued member of our community. For that reason, we invite you to consider placing an ad in the Yearbook where you can highlight your business or organization while supporting a worthy cause.
We thank you in advance for your loyalty and generous support.
– Michael Tambe