Italian-American group honors local students, Natalie Chastain

When the members of the Chicagoland Italian-American Charitable Organization started gearing up for their annual scholarship program months ago, there was one student they already knew deserved some help: Natalie Chastain.

“These are the kind of kids we look for,” said member Nick Schiavone. “Not just valedictorian material, but good students who are also in need.”

Chastiain, a wheelchair-bound Elgin High School student and aspiring architect, will be among 20 students who are awarded $2,000 scholarships from the Italian-American group on Saturday, during its annual “Honor and Hope” gala in Addison. Tickets for the event are still available and proceeds benefit the annual scholarship program, along with the group’s other yearly charitable endeavors such as Thanksgiving food baskets and a Christmas food drive.

Saturday’s event also will honor three local military veterans who were injured in combat: Marine Alberto Velasco of Schaumburg and Andrew Santilli of Villa Park, as well as Army Sgt. Daniel Casara of Chicago. The group will award $5,000 to each man, Schiavone said.

The final honoree on Saturday will be Enzo Grisi, who is a member of the group and is being awarded for years of humanitarian work with the group.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at Alta Villa, 430 N. Addison Road, and includes music, open bar, food and awards ceremonies. Tickets are $100. For details, call (630) 400-9908 or (630) 889-1700.