community gather to mark an important day.

Festa Della Repubblica Italiana will be held at the Yoogali Club on Sunday, June 1 starting at noon.

The occasion marks Italian National Day, which falls on June 2 and is a fundraising opportunity for the Griffith Italian Museum and Cultural Centre and Griffith’s community private hospital.

Event co-ordinator and Griffith Italian Museum and Cultural Centre committee member Peter Gatti is inviting members of the Italian and wider community to the celebration luncheon/dance where

delicious Italian fare will be served, with entertainment by Joe Staltare and the Di Salvatore Dance Studio and a colourful parade of flags and banners from various Italian associations.

“The festivities will be the same as in previous years but this year we are doing something a little different in that we are raising money for Griffith’s private hospital too,” Mr Gatti said.

“I know that whatever we raise will only be a small drop in a big bucket, but everything can help make a difference.

“I came to Griffith in 1993 and started the year later hosting this event, originally in Leeton and then when I got to know people I realised I should stage it in Griffith.”

Mr Gatti said there was no doubt that Griffith needed a private hospital.

“I had cancer in my vocal chords and in my oesophagus so I’ve had to travel to Sydney and Melbourne for treatment,” he

said.

“I’m 80 and it would be good to have something local so we don’t have to travel so far. I love Griffith and the people, if I can make just a little bit of a difference I will leave this world knowing that I have done something to help even if it’s in a small way.”

Bookings must be made by Monday, May 26. For more information or to book call Peter on 6962 6986 or 0402 316 629 or Frank Perosin on 6962 2468 or 0439 263 817.