Gene & Georgetti recently had the incredible honor of sponsoring a 2025 scholarship in memory of my father, Tony Durpetti – a proud Italian American, passionate advocate for education, and the heart and soul of our family and Gene & Georgetti.
Presented in partnership with SADIA (Sons and Daughters of Italy in America), the scholarship was awarded during their annual Scholarship Celebration held at the historic Mazzini-Verdi Club in Chicago. The evening brought together more than 100 guests to celebrate academic achievement, cultural pride, and the enduring impact of community.
For me, it was deeply personal.
My father believed in the power of education and the importance of remembering where you come from. His own journey was rooted in heritage, hard work, and a commitment to giving back – values that continue to guide everything I do, both at Gene & Georgetti and beyond. Supporting this scholarship in his name was both emotional and incredibly fulfilling.
A heartfelt thank you to the SADIA Executive Board, Executive Committee, and Scholarship Committee for their thoughtful work in organizing the event and selecting such deserving students. Thank you as well to our fellow sponsors for sharing in this meaningful mission. And special gratitude to Francine D’Amico, Media Coordinator for SADIA, for so beautifully capturing the spirit of the evening in photos.
This scholarship is more than just a tribute to my dad. It’s a way of ensuring that the legacy he helped build – one of pride, culture, integrity, and generosity- continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Congratulations to this Year’s Recpients of this Italian American Scholarship
To this year’s recipients: congratulazioni. Your futures are bright, and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish. Supporting you, and honoring my father in the process, has been a privilege beyond words.
Photos by Francine D’Amico, Media Coordinator for SADIA
