In 2019, Joe Megale brought to my attention a property in Burien that he thought would make a great Cultural Center for the Italian Community. I was in no way interested in a new project, but when I went to look at it, I immediately agreed that this was a perfect location for the new Casa. The building had great potential and the price was right. We contacted the Casa Board and proposed the purchase of the property. They also agreed it was perfect and the process of purchasing the property began. Between the funds available from the old Casa, and donations from Il Punto, The Italian Club of Seattle, and a few individuals, we managed to come up with the down payment. The seller agreed to carry the balance, and the deal was done.
We have since improved the property with; an office for the Honorary Consul of Italy, a beautiful Caffé, a library (operated by Il Punto), and two halls, the larger of which was just completed in November of 2024. This took a lot of work from our volunteers (mainly Joe Megale) and a fair amount of borrowed money. We have seen many people enjoy the facility; the Caffé has become a great place to gather, we have produced numerous amazing classes, & events and are well on our way to establishing a thriving Italian Cultural Center for us all to enjoy.
The foundation has been laid, but there is still much to do to complete our vision. We will soon be applying for grants that should help cover the costs of continued improvements (elevator, commercial kitchen, bocce court, piazza, etc.) as well as operational expenses. However, this will take time.
The fact is that we need financial help now. Casa is struggling to pay the bills and without more financial support from all of us, may not survive. I have personally donated money to fund the purchase and continue to donate $500 every month to help with recurring expenses. I challenge all of you to help with a monthly donation of whatever you can afford. We need to rely on at least $20,000 per month to keep Casa going.
We have been called dreamers by some, & foolish by others for having done this, but the fact is that we now have a beautiful place for the Italian Community. A place to gather & celebrate the Italian Culture we all cherish. The decision we must now make is, do we want to keep it? If so, we all must step up and help.
Thank You for your consideration,
Jerry Mascio
Founding Board Member
Casa Italiana – Italian Cultural Center
Donate online at:
https://www.casaitalianacc.org/donate/
