12 Days of Christmas
In December 2017, The Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) launched the 12 Days of Christmas campaign using funds left over from our small grant request allocations. During a board meeting in November 2017, we reviewed our options and deliberated on how best to utilize these additional funds to benefit the community. We made the decision to support smaller non-profit charities by offering them an unsolicited grant. This year, we are delighted to announce that the grant amounts will remain at $1,500 each.
Today, the 12 Days of Christmas campaign is ingrained into our charitable giving process and has been approved again for December 2025.
How it Works:
Each November, the charitable giving committee solicits requests from its members for up to two qualifying 501c3 charities, typically smaller in size, that will help impact its operations. The charities are reviewed and verified for their non-profit status. If they meet the requirements and we have more than 12, they are selected randomly by the committee from a container. Once the 12 charities are determined, the charitable giving committee informs the board and the general membership. The announcements are made to the selected charities by the members who sponsored them. Available members gather to present the check at the non-profit’s offices during the two weeks leading up to Christmas. There you have our 12 Days of Christmas!
SIAB’s members thoroughly enjoy meeting with each organization to learn more about how they serve the community and help change lives. We also love spreading the Christmas spirit.
2024 Recipients
Day 1: St. Vincent DePaul
🎄Day 1 – We kicked off the 12 Days of Christmas Giving at St. Vincent DePaul’s Beans & Bread program, a comprehensive day resource center serving over 300 people daily. This incredible organization provides vital support in housing, health, and other essential services to those in need.
It was a privilege to join Mary Helfrich, Chief Advancement Officer, and Kevin Rogers as they continue their work to uplift the community. SIAB is honored to play a small role in helping Beans & Bread make a big impact this holiday season.
Day 2: Anna’s House
🎄Day 2 – We visited Anna’s House, a program of Catholic Charities that provides critical support to families in Harford County experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their dedication to helping families rebuild their lives is truly inspiring.
We were honored to present our donation alongside John Troiano, Tony DiPaula, Anna’s House Director Karyn Smith, Bob Dillon, and CGC Chair Tony Palumbo.
Day 3: Mann House
🎄Day 3 – The Mann House is a remarkable organization that has been serving our community for over 50 years. They help individuals on their journey to recovery from addiction through discipline, accountability, and connection to the recovery community. Their dedication to transforming lives is truly inspiring.
It was a privilege to share our donation alongside John Troiano, Tony Giangiordano, Ed Palumbo, Director of Mann House, Tony Amey, Tony DiPaula, Bob Dillon, and CGC Chair Tony Palumbo.
Day 4: Habitat for Humanity
🎄Day 4 – Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna is an organization dedicated to creating affordable housing opportunities in Harford & Cecil counties. Through building, renovating, and repairing homes, they empower families and strengthen our local communities.
We were proud to support their mission alongside John Rosaschi, Ola Boswell (H4H staff), CGC Chair Tony Palumbo, Executive Director Yvonne Golczewski, Bob Dillon, Lydia Jordan (Repair Program Manager), Marc Troiani, and David Burja (Director of Construction).
Day 5: Brandon Tolson Foundation
🎄Day 5 – The Brandon Tolson Foundation is an organization that provides compassionate relief, assistance, and support to families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a child. Their mission to extend hope and healing during such difficult times is truly inspiring.
Pictured L-R is Ken Barnes (SIAB), Mike Deluca (SIAB), Pam Long (Executive Director, BTF), Cando Tolson (Co-founder, BTF), Tony Palumbo (CGC Chair), Ed Palumbo (SIAB), and Marc Troiani (SIAB) as we presented this donation to help further their life-changing work.
Day 6: Beyond Borders
🎄Day 6 – We proudly donated to Beyond Borders, an incredible organization dedicated to engaging Maryland youth in fundraising efforts to support rural trade schools in Latin America. Their mission to empower both local youth and communities abroad is truly inspiring.
We were honored to present this donation with Emporia, Summer, James, Mark Dardozzi, Fr. Lou Martin (Director, BB), Tony DiPaula, and Tony Palumbo (CGC Chair).
Day 7: St. Ignatius Church
🎄Day 7 – We were honored to donate to St. Ignatius Church, a cornerstone of faith and community since 1792. Known as the “Little Church,” it holds a special place in history as the oldest church in continuous use in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. St. Ignatius is more than a building—it’s a vibrant parish of over 4,100 families, with a shared mission of faith, service, and outreach.
Pictured is Tony Palumbo (CGC Chair), Parish Staff, Bridget, Ginger, Kelly, Pastor Andrew DeFusco, Helen, Luanne, and Marc Troiani (SIAB).
Day 8: Broken Spoke Family Assoc.
🎄Day 8 – We were proud to donate $1,500 to the Broken Spoke Family Association (BSFA) to support their heartwarming annual event, Operation Santa Sleigh. This incredible program helps families in need by providing essential needs for children of all ages. Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, and their elves even deliver the gifts personally to each family!
Pictured alongside Tony Palumbo (CGC Chair), Greg Tutino (SIAB), Dr. Jon Bellantoni (SIAB & BSFA President), Robert Jackson, and the rest of the Broken Spoke team
Day 9: Mt. Zion Beyond Capernaum
🎄Day 9 – We were honored to donate to Mt. Zion Church’s Beyond Capernaum Special Needs Ministry, an incredible program that creates a space of belonging and joy for special needs youth and adults in our community. Beyond Capernaum uplifts and celebrates the unique gifts of every individual.
We were proud to present this donation alongside SIAB’s Dr. Jon Bellantoni, Tony DiPaula, Tony Palumbo, David Bennet (Director, Beyond Capernaum), John Gonzalez (SIAB), Glen Myers, Ed Palumbo and Greg Tutino (SIAB).
Day 10: Laila’s Gift
🎄Day 10 – We were honored to donate to Laila’s Gift®, an organization dedicated to empowering children with special needs, their siblings, and caregivers to thrive together. Since 2022, Laila’s Gift® has supported over 1,000 families, spreading joy & inclusivity.
Pictured alongside Tony Palumbo (CGC Chair), Michael Nash (Co-Founder), Shari Bailey (Founder), Marc Troiani, and Ed Palumbo (SIAB). SIAB is proud to support the incredible mission of Laila’s Gift® as they continue to empower families and spread kindness.
Day 11: The Harford Center
🎄Day 11 – SIAB proudly donated to The Harford Center, a non-profit dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities since 1961. Through personalized programs like Meaningful Day activities and Supported Employment, they foster independence, community integration, and meaningful opportunities for participants.
Pictured (Left to Right) Joe Papa, President SIAB, Sherry Nolte, CEO Harford Center, Laura Weinstein, Chief Development Officer, Marc Troiano, SIAB
Day 12: Project Patriot
🎄Day 12 – Project Patriot is dedicated to providing fellowship and support to our nation’s military, law enforcement, first responders, and their families. Their mission to assist these heroes and educate others about the immense sacrifices made by those who serve is both vital and inspiring.
Pictured center is Vince Dattoli, Director of Project Patriot with SIAB members (L-R) Tony Palumbo, Mark Dardozzi, John Rosaschi, Ed Palumbo, Jimmy Krieg, Tony DiPaula, and Jason Adams.
Connect with Us!
Follow us on social media for events, updates, and news
The Society of Italian American Businessmen is a 501c3 charitable organization. Tax ID#: 46-2965362.