About Us

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A few weeks ago, hundreds of descendants of Poggioreale, Sicily gathered in New Orleans for a reunion that exceeded every expectation. It was a weekend full of laughter, tears, connection, and above all, deep gratitude. When these reunions began six years ago in the small town of Bryan, Texas, no one could have predicted that, half a decade later, the gathering would continue to bring together people from across the country—and the world.

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This year, attendees traveled from New York, Florida, California, Wisconsin, Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Washington D.C., every corner of Louisiana, and many places in between. Cav. Pietro Maniscalco even flew in from Australia, accompanied by his daughter from Dallas—a powerful reminder of how far our roots reach and how tightly they still hold us together.

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Despite the heartbreaking and unexpected passing of our beloved President and co-founder, Tina Anderson, midway through planning, volunteers rose to the occasion. So many stepped in—quietly, generously, and selflessly—to make sure this reunion would happen. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

 

A Weekend Full of Culture and Celebration

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The reunion weekend aligned with some of New Orleans' most vibrant Italian-American festivities:

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• The 53rd Annual Pasta Party took place on Friday at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, serving up what’s believed to be the world’s largest bowl of pasta con le sarde, prepared by Chef David Greco from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
   

• The Italian-American St. Joseph’s Parade marched through the French Quarter on Saturday, March 22, with 16 floats, nine bands, and hundreds of tuxedoed marchers handing out flowers, beads, and pasta.
   

• The 43rd Annual Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade on Sunday in Metairie featured over 120 floats and marching groups, putting a final festive stamp on a weekend to remember.
   

Our gathering was enriched by heartfelt presentations. Representing the Poggiorealese community of Sydney, Australia, Cavaliere Pietro Maniscalco delivered an inspiring talk about his lifelong connection to Poggioreale and the work he has done on behalf of elderly Sicilian immigrants through the S. Antonio Da Padova Protettore di Poggioreale, Sydney Society. Honored with the Order of Australia and Italy’s Cavaliere title, Maniscalco reminded everyone that the Sicilian spirit knows no borders.

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A moving talk by Patrick Campesi, President of the St. Expedite Lodge, ISDA and Vice President of the American Italian Federation of the Southeast, encouraged us to stay engaged in preserving our cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world—a message that deeply resonated. 

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A touching moment came from Catherine Candela, who presented a spectacular, custom-made gift to Briquette and Creole Cookery owner AJ Tusa—a family tree book beautifully researched and curated, symbolizing the connection between generations and the importance of remembering where we came from.

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Special thanks are due to the Mary Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville and Saint Peter Church in Covington for sharing blessed breads and cuccidati from their St. Joseph Altars, bringing sacred tradition into our reunion.

 

Charles Marsala, President of the American-Italian Federation of the Southeast and 2025 Italian Grand Marshal of the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade, generously gifted a Caluda’s Italian Flag King Cake—a sweet taste of New Orleans' heritage and hospitality.

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Father Tony Rigoli, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in New Orleans, graciously led the group in prayer, offering a heartfelt blessing that grounded the reunion in faith and community.

 

Tony Cortello, local restaurateur and member of the Italian Marching Club, stopped by to extend a warm New Orleans welcome to our Poggioreale in America family.

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New Orleans City Councilman Joseph I. Giarrusso III helped facilitate two proclamations from the city—one welcoming PIA attendees, and another honoring Mayor Carmelo Palermo of Poggioreale. 

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Jonah Hallier, son of PIA board member Sarah Campise Hallier, gave a talk about the importance of teaching the younger generation about our Sicilian culture. His call for action included his goal of helping PIA Junior grow to over 50 members this year, furthering Tina Anderson's dream of passing down the important stories, research, and heritage to the youth of PIA. 

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Honoring Tina Anderson and Continuing the Legacy

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This reunion was the first since the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Tina Anderson, PIA’s beloved president and co-founder. In her memory, the community came together in a powerful way. Over the course of the weekend, more than $5,000 was raised through donations made during the reunion—an incredible testament to Tina’s impact and the love that continues to surround her vision. These funds will go toward maintaining the PIA website, funding college scholarships, and supporting future events and projects that continue Tina’s dream.

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Her legacy also sparked a renewed sense of purpose. Many attendees were inspired to step forward and commit to leadership roles within the organization. Their enthusiasm ensures that Poggioreale in America will continue to grow, thrive, and connect future generations.

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A heartfelt thank-you to Sandra Scalise Juneau, who played a vital role in marketing and public relations. Her behind-the-scenes efforts helped amplify the reunion’s reach and ensured strong attendance. Special appreciation also goes to Anne Boykin, dear friend to Tina Anderson.

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We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Marilyn Maniscalco Henley and Arthur Henley (who stepped in to help plan, execute, and carry on Tina’s dream of a successful New Orleans reunion), Carrie Ann Melchor, Catherine Candella, AJ and Anna Tusa, Ruth Burke, the Anderson family, and so many others who poured their time, energy, and hearts into making the weekend a success.

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A particularly generous $5,000 donation from Kirk Piccione was announced during the reunion and received shortly after, providing significant support for ongoing and future initiatives. Numerous others contributed throughout the weekend—each dollar, each gift, each offer to help means more than words can convey.

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This outpouring of support—and the overwhelming desire from attendees to join the admin team, advisory board, and volunteer base—has proven just how deeply this community values what Poggioreale in America stands for.

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Looking Ahead

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Thanks to all of you, Poggioreale in America is set to continue growing—into every major city and every small town where Poggiorealesi live. PIA will keep planning reunions, organizing trips to Sicily, publishing stories and research, and building a stronger network.

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From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for showing up, stepping up, and being a part of something much bigger than any one of us. Until next time!