Actor Scott Baio and wife Renee to be honored at OSIA Grand Lodge of California Charity Gala

Scott Baio, popular TV actor, and talented wife Renee will be honored by the Order Sons of Italy in America (O.S.I.A.) Grand Lodge of California’s Western Foundation, with the coveted “Royal Court of the Golden Lion” Charity Award at their 9th Humanitarian & Leadership Awards Charity Gala in San Francisco, CA.

The event, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, San Francisco Airport in Burlingame, will be emceed by Mark DeCarlo, best known for his TV hosting roles on “Studs” and “Taste of America on Travel Channel.”

The event will begin with a 6:15 pm VIP reception followed by dinner and the awards presentation. Scott Baio is best known for his work on the sitcoms: Happy Days, Joanie Loves Chachi, and Charles in Charge. His beautiful wife Renee was a stunt woman for over 12 years working on shows/movies such as Baywatch, Pacific Blue, High Tide, Renegade, Walker Texas Ranger, Silk Stalkings, The Tiger Woods Story, Rush Hour 2, and Matrix 3.

Scott and Renee will be the recipients of a donation from the Western Foundation’s “Royal Court of the Golden Lion” to the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation, named in honor of their beautiful daughter. The children’s foundation provides financial support to families whose children are dealing with metabolic disorders. Three very prominent California Italian-Americans will also be honored in the categories of business, humanitarian and leadership efforts.

Paul Ferrari, CEO and tastemaker of A.G. Ferrari Foods, an importer of fine Italian foods, will be awarded the “Business Award.” Robert & Nadine Franceschini will be receiving the “Humanitarian” award for their numerous philanthropic contributions; and the Honorable Joseph P. Russoniello, serving his second term as U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California, will receive the “Leadership Award.”

“The Sons of Italy Western Foundation's commitment to education, cultural preservation, and bettering the lives of all Americans is very much embodied in the life’s work of all of our honorees,” notes Mark Rossi, Chairman of the Gala. The Order Sons of Italy in America is a 105 year-old fraternal service organization. Over the course of a century, they have given away $110 million to charities, disaster relief, cultural preservation, and scholarships.

The Sons of Italy Western Foundation, through projects and grant-making activities, helps educate and improve the lives of Italian-Americans. Since its inception, the Foundation has enhanced educational opportunities and experiences for high school students, and supported the preservation and promotion of Italian-American culture. Proceeds from the Gala benefit several charities.

To purchase tickets, table sponsorships and tribute book advertisements for the Humanitarian & Leadership Awards Charity Gala, go to www.sonsofitalyca.org. or please contact Arlene Nunziati at (415) 586-1316. Also, to learn more about the Sons of Italy in America visit www.osia.org or log on to the Grand Lodge of California at www.sonsofitalyca.org