More than 200 guests gathered at Tangier restaurant in Akron Saturday evening for the 2011 Columbus Day Cotillion.
“This was where we went on our first date many, many years ago,” Pat Patrino said.
Mike Patrino would not disclose how long ago the date actually took place.
Jennah Romansky said she wasn’t nervous about being a debutante.
Another deb, Rosalia Stadler, revealed, “I had to cut off sleeves, a train and a bow, and I’m wearing a dress that was my cousin’s.”
“This is an important day for our family,” said Linda Teodosio.
An award was created to honor her and husband Tom’s daughter, Andrea Rose Teodosio, who died in a skiing accident earlier this year.
The couple’s niece, Alexandra Teodosio, was a debutante Saturday. Brooke Gottfried, Stephanie Teodosio and Josephine and Robert Tucci also were there to show their support.
“We always get a great group of girls and great families,” chairwoman Ann Stephens said.
“We are celebrating our Italian heritage and it will be interesting to see all the flags from the different region,” said Roseanne Scianna, who said she was a proud Sicilian.
Her friends, Mark Somerville and Ed and Debi Rauckhorst, shared a table. Debbie Day and Tomasina Elavsky greeted the guests as they arrived to dine on Mediterranean antipasto, Sicilian mixed vegetables and other Italian favorites.
Joe Buccitelli came to this country from Italy when he was 7. His wife, Lil Buccitelli, joined him at the cotillion with friends Lou and Joan Perry. Lou Perry was given the Achievement Award for success in his chosen profession and community service. Florence Nervo and Chris Ludle were given the Merit Award, and the President’s Award was given to Norman Ross.