Paola loved it—and so did the other 149 people who gathered in the banquet room of the San Francisco’s Olympic Club to honor Paola Bagnatori for her quarter century of leadership of the MuseoItaloAmericano. The gala dinner took place on Friday, August 25th.
Just a few years back, Paola won the respect of the Museo’s Board of Directors when she stepped in as executive director and faced the toughest crisis in the Museo’s history—its membership was declining and its donations were spotty. Today, thanks largely to Paola and secondarily to a fresh Board of Directors, the Museo is strong and healthy and has booked a large number of events and exhibitions well into 2008.
At the dinner, Paola was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who commended her for her work for the Italian Community of San Francisco. The Certificate is complementary to her appointment, by the Italian Government, as a Commendatore in the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, which she merited for her participation in several Italian-American causes.
Additionally, Paola was presented with a gift from the Museo’s Auxiliary for maintaining her infectious “can do” and “tutto e` possibile” attitudes. The most touching presentation was made by Paola’s grandchildren, Isabella and Sam Ross, who gifted the audience with their views of “Life with Paola.”
Jim Lange, the veteran radio and television host of “The Dating Game” was the Master of Ceremonies. Also present to congratulate Paola was Jim’s wife, Nancy Fleming, Miss America of 1961.
These programs are made possible by a grant from the ROSARIA HAUGLAND FOUNDATION.