About Us
and Vice President Billy Ristuccia
Fountain Hills Italians is a social organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving Italian culture, heritage, and traditions through community gatherings, events, and activities, often including food, music, dancing, and language learning opportunities, providing a space for Italian-Americans to connect and share their shared ancestry; it’s essentially a community hub focused on fostering a sense of belonging and pride in Italian heritage.
Key Aspects of our Italian Club
- Mission: To promote Italian culture, traditions, and community spirit among members.
- Activities: Hosting social events like dinners, festivals, dances, language classes, cooking demonstrations, and cultural presentations.
- Membership: Open to individuals of Italian descent, as well as anyone interested in Italian culture.
- Community Involvement: Participating in local charitable initiatives and supporting Italian-American causes.
The 4C's (Our Mission Statement)
The Fountain Hills Italian Club is represented by “The 4Cs”. These are the pillars of our club. The 4Cs are:
- CULTURE: To discuss and explore Italian culture, history, art, and different geographical Italian cities/regions.
- CUISINE: Local dining and discussing different Italian cuisines from eating establishments, imported Italian foods, or sampling Italian foods members have created.
- CHARITY: To donate non-perishable foods to the Extended Hands Food Bank, donate to various charities, volunteer and help the town of Fountain Hills with other events, and promoting other local charities.
- COMMUNITY: Dining and having get-togethers at local restaurants whenever possible, supporting local restaurants, promoting local events, and giving back to the town of Fountain Hills by shopping and supporting local businesses whenever possible.
Steve Baggio
President of the Fountain Hills Italian Club
Steve Baggio is a passionate community leader and cultural advocate who founded the Fountain Hills Italian Club in 2022. Drawing from his rich Italian heritage and deep appreciation for Italian culture, Steve established the club to create a vibrant community space where Italian-Americans and Italophiles in Fountain Hills could connect, share traditions, and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Under Steve’s leadership, the Fountain Hills Italian Club has become a cornerstone of cultural activities in the community, organizing regular events including traditional Italian cooking classes, language lessons, cultural festivals, Bocce tournaments, and social gatherings. The club has grown significantly since its inception, now serving as a bridge between generations of Italian-Americans and fostering cultural exchange within the broader Fountain Hills community.
Prior to founding the Italian Club, Steve had a successful career in business management and has lived in Fountain Hills for nearly a decade. His dedication to preserving and sharing Italian culture has earned him recognition from both local community organizations and Italian-American associations throughout Arizona.
