IACA Club History
-In 1956 Peter Cassara, Don Concillio, Pat Perry and Al Tetti met at Don
Concillio's Restaurant and discussed the notion of starting what was to
become the Italian American Civic Association. They were later joined by
Jerry Giordano, Tom Donatelli, Vito Avello, Joe Nero, and Joseph Peace.
They applied for a charter, received it, then somehow misplaced
it...never to be found again.
-In 1958 the group grew to 35, and once again there was an
application for a charter. It was granted, and this time it didn't get lost.
-The first slate of officers featured Alphonse Tetti as President, Joseph
Nero as Vke President, Vito Avello as Recording Secretary, Don Concillio
as Treasurer, Thomas Donatelli as Financial Secretary, and Andrew
Maddallone as Sergeant-at-Arms.
-Initial meetings were held at the Tower Restaurant, St. Helen's Parish
Hall (operating church bingo games in lieu of paying rent), a large store
on First Street off Dixie Highway, and the home of Mr and Mrs. Joseph
DiLucia (where members were seived "the best pizza and cake in Vero
Beach" at the time).
-Eventually the City of Vero Beach was persuaded to quit-claim a parcel
of land to the Club at its present location. Then a mortgage was secured
for $8,000. An 1,800-sq.ft. building was erected much of it with
voluntary labor provided by members. In 1972 the building was
expanded.
-The women's group at IACA was formed in 1973, and its first
President was Josephine Riffone. It officially became the Ladies
Auxiliary of the IACA in 1980.
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