My name is Bohnie Avanzino and I am a proud Garibaldina member for the past two years.  I have gotten to know many members in a short period of time from volunteering for as many Garibaldina events as I can.  It truly is my second home.

I was honored to be selected to co-chair the 2025 Pasta Platter monthly dinners. Nothing better than to see 350-400 smiling guests having a delicious and fun evening. So much so that I will continue co-chairing in 2026.

I am so grateful to the Garibaldina for the opportunity to play bocce Tuesday (and sometimes Thursday) mornings with the older members. I cherish the friendships I’ve made and look forward to being in their company and listening to their stories and traditions. They are treasures.

Because the Garibaldina gives me a true sense of family, my goal is to do whatever I can to keep the Garibaldina sustainable and help it continue to grow. I would like to be a “voice” for all members, especially for those with concerns, and also be an advocate for their suggestions.

I deeply value my membership, and I see being a part of the 2026 Council as a way for me to help proudly preserve the Garibaldina’s history while welcoming our new members and embracing our current ones.

My name is Meribeth Buck and I am running for council.  I became a member of the Garibaldina 2 years ago with my husband Steve.  I immediately jumped into volunteering and loved getting to know other members.  This past year, I was the co-chair for the Pasta Platter Committee and have been proud of its success. 

I was introduced to the Italian culture over 40 years ago when I married into a big Italian family.  From the moment I set foot in the Garibaldina, I felt like I was back in Steve’s grandmother’s kitchen where I learned a love of Italian food and the importance of La Famiglia.  Because of this, I fully understand the importance of the Garibaldina and what it represents to its members.  I truly love the Garibaldina and would love the opportunity to serve on the council.  I’m organized, diligent, and hardworking and I think I would be an asset to the council. 

I’m Nicole Cadena, a proud born and raised Angeleno who loves exploring museums, discovering new restaurants and enjoying everything this city has to offer, while trying to find community along the way. Over the last 2 ½ years the Garibaldina has become my true “third place,” a rare and authentic community where people of all ages come together, connect, and genuinely care for one another. The G has been a grounding, joyful constant in my life and I’m appreciative of the new friends I’ve met along the way. There’s nothing better than passing around steaming bowls of pasta and ridiculously good meatballs, then dancing the night away with friends, new and old, every month. 

As we move toward becoming a 501(c)(3), I believe my experience in the nonprofit sector can help strengthen and sustain what makes this place so special. Throughout my career, from developing programs to improve outcomes for youth in foster care at Children’s Action Network, to leading narrative-change work at FosterMore that encourages the public to take action, I’ve focused on building impactful initiatives and supporting organizations as they evolve. I would be honored to bring that experience to the council.  Most importantly, I want to help preserve and grow the spirit of belonging that makes our club unlike anywhere else.

I am honored to have been nominated for First Vice President/Council for next year. For those I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, here’s a little bit about me and why I feel so deeply connected to the Garibaldina.

I am an elementary school teacher by day and a volunteer by night. Perhaps it’s because my dad was a first responder, but throughout every chapter of my life, I’ve felt called to serve others. Wherever I have volunteered, at schools, community programs,or charitable organizations, I’ve naturally stepped into leadership roles. Not because I seek the spotlight, but because I genuinely love helping wherever I’m needed.

The Garibaldina has been woven into my family’s story for generations. It was a meaningful part of my grandparents’ lives, and it continues to be cherished by my mother (95-year-old Alice, a proud member since 1968), by me, and now by my husband Vic and my daughter. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends have been members as well. It is a tradition I hope we carry on for generations to come. My desire to give back to the organization that has given so much to my family fuels my dedication to continue to serve.

In 2024, I volunteered to lead the beloved Pasta Platters. I loved every minute of it, but my favorite moment of the night will always be when the DJ plays Donna Summer’s “Last Dance”... not because the evening is ending, but because the dance floor is full of Garibaldina members singing and celebrating together.

This year, I served as a Councilperson and as Volunteer Coordinator. I take great pride in representing our members. I’m happy to share that over the last eleven months, we were able to fill over 1300 volunteer slots, something that could only have happened because of your generosity and enthusiasm.

Working alongside all of you, supporting events, and contributing to the Garibaldina’s mission has brought me tremendous joy. I know and deeply respect the Garibaldina’s history and all the incredible good it has accomplished, and I look forward to all the good we can do together in the years ahead.

I am a fourth-generation member here at the Garibaldina and have enjoyed every moment of my participation in the club.  When my parents joined in 2022, my father did not know the history of his relatives at the Garibaldina.  After my grandmother passed in 2023, while going through a closet, he found a rolled-up photograph of the Garibaldina membership of 1928. In that photograph, which hangs on wall of the bar today, are my great grandparents, as well as my grandmother at the age of six. Needless to say, I always feel that I'm right where I need to be when I'm at the Garibaldina. I treasure the relationships we've built as a community and regardless of the number of people I see in our ballroom, it always feels full of life and love for each other. I've never been a part of a community that fosters such positive connections within the membership while also being so welcoming to guests and new faces.

In the last year, I have participated and volunteered at dozens of events, primarily First Fridays and Pasta Platter, monitoring the bocce court and leading line dance lessons. While I look forward to continuing those roles in 2026, I would like to do more to understand the inner workings of the club. Should I be elected for council, I would use the opportunity to learn about other roles on the board and how to participate in the constant discussions required to improve the Garibaldina for its members and surrounding community. While I am young, I am no stranger to leadership positions and have often found myself in such roles because of my kinship for working as a team. At this time, I do not feel I have a comprehensive understanding of Garibaldina operations which is why I will watch and learn from my seniors.  However, I am not one to be silent. I will be an active participant in all discussions, ask critical questions, and voice any concerns I hear from our active members and constituents. I feel that younger voices are critical for moving forward and recruiting new members as we continue down this path of unprecedented growth at the Garibaldina. I would love to play a part in it.

Tina has enjoyed the last two years getting to know the creative, diverse, multi-generational Garibaldina Famiglia by volunteering for the engagement opportunities available to members. She is a regular at Pasta Platter Set-Up & Table Greeter, Sign-in Welcome for Bar Bene, First Fridays & General Meetings, No Drinks on the Bocce Court Monitor, Cinema Garibaldina Popcorn Maker, Il Mercato Cookie Box Assembler/Tree Decorator/Door Bouncer, to name a few.  

Raised on the east coast, in the Hotel/Restaurant Hospitality business, her family's restaurants were always Italian - names like DaVinci and La Famiglia, with checkered tablecloths, murals, and walls adorned with autographed headshots of notable entertainers. Being at the Garibaldina, is a reconnection of core childhood memories that had been tucked away for a long time. It’s very much like home.

Tina's non-profit experience is extensive, both in the administrative and volunteer capacities with various community, statewide and national organizations and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the vision, mission and purpose of the Garibaldina and its members. 

Tina would like to extend her appreciation for the nomination to the Council.

I am Julie Del Rivo, candidate for First Vice President.

I currently serve as your Parliamentarian, ensuring we adhere to our rules of order, and I
actively contribute to the Building and By-laws Committees. My family—from my in-laws
(Giuseppe and Lupita) to our youngest member (my daughter, Cecilia)—embodies the multi-
generational spirit I champion and have loved at the Garibaldina for the last twenty (20) years. I want to foster the beautiful aspects of Italian culture for all ages as my own intergenerational family feels. Not only are there no bad dancers at the Garibaldina, we keep each other young together. Truly as the proverb says, "A tavola non si invecchia." 

In my professional life, practicing law in California, I have mastered the ability to listen, build consensus, and drive projects to completion. My executive experience includes a four-year rotation through all board positions of a 501(c)(3) professional organization, culminating as Chapter President. I implemented best practices in governance and maintained high member engagement by tapping specialists to speak at regular luncheons in our Chapter of nearly 300 members.

As First Vice President, I will serve to meet the challenges of growth and fundraising while advancing our mission of sharing Italian culture with the community. We are a special society, living in the uniquely creative community of Los Angeles, our outlook is bright.

Growing up with an Italian Mamma, the culture/food of Italy was a huge influence in my daily life.  Her parents came from a very small village at the foot of the Alps in Piemonte named Issiglio, about 50 minutes northwest of Torino.  The first time I walked into the Lobby of the Garibaldina, I was transported back in time to my childhood home which had  very similar furniture and mural!  The culture and the welcoming atmosphere I have found there has brought back so many memories and is the reason I wanted to be a member.  

I currently serve on the Pastoral Council for Holy Family Church in South Pasadena and am the Chair of Parking Commission for the City of Pasadena's South Lake Shopping District.  My past community Service includes Board President for Young & Healthy and Chair of the Craftsman Council of The Gamble House.  

Ciao! I'm Stephanie Fontana, and I am honored to be a candidate for both Vice President and Council member at The Garibaldina Society. You may know me best for our dinner dance antipasto and Nonna Fontana's Olives! Currently, I proudly serve as a Council member and as Co-Chair of the Dinner Dance and Parking Lot Fundraising Committees.

The Garibaldina is my happy place. I’ve enjoyed attending many events and volunteering frequently, from bocce nights to rolling 800 meatballs to Bob Baker’s Puppet Prom, among others. I cherish the connections I have made with fellow members who are passionate about preserving and celebrating Italian culture. It’s our warm and welcoming Garibaldina famiglia that makes it feel like home, filling the space left by my large Italian family back in Buffalo. 

As co-chair, I have a deep affection for the Dinner Dance tradition. It has given me the chance to get to know our members both on and off the dance floor! Along with the antipasti, I am responsible for organizing the set-ups with volunteers, planning the event, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It has been equally rewarding to witness our community come together in support of the Parking Lot Fundraising Committee's "Pave It Forward" campaign! As co-chair of the committee, I coordinate our creative efforts, spearhead the development of our fundraising presentation, and have organized multiple phone-banking events. It's exciting to see our membership participation increase week by week, and we have raised over 60k!

With 30 years of experience in the film and television industry, I have held positions such as Vice President of Production and Producer. In these roles, I manage all aspects of production, oversee budgets, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. My career has allowed me to develop strong organizational and practical communication skills, a sharp eye for detail, and, most importantly, the ability to collaborate and lead teams to execute successful events.

I am dedicated to bringing my skills and experience to the roles of Vice President or Council member. My approach is to foster collaboration, provide support, and serve our membership. I would love to continue contributing to our Council and would welcome the challenge of the Vice President role. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Our community is dear to me, and I am wholeheartedly committed to investing the time and effort necessary to succeed.

Ciao Garibaldini! My name is Nicole Granati and I grew up in a big Italian-American family in western Pennsylvania, surrounded by my grandparents, their siblings, dozens of cousins, aunts, uncles and lots of loud banter and an abundance of food! My roots stretch across the ocean where I have family in both Rome and Calabria, whom I visit and stay connected with. At the Garibaldina, I prefer to go by Granati, since we have several Nicoles in the club and because that’s how we refer to each other in the Granati Family!

After relocating west in 2006 and settling in Los Angeles in 2010, I had pretty much given up on finding fellow Italian-Americans. Then one night, while missing my beloved grandparents, a thought popped into my head: “Italian clubs in Los Angeles.” The next day, I discovered I live just five minutes from the Garibaldina—and I’ve been grateful ever since! Outside the G, I’m an ordained minister and spiritual counselor, and part of my work focuses on supporting women’s health and wellbeing.

Since becoming a member in 2023, I’ve served on multiple committees and proudly held a council position in both 2024 and 2025. I care deeply about our community and bring enthusiasm, dependability, and a genuine respect for the society’s legacy to everything I participate in. I’m truly honored to be nominated for Second Vice President, and I’m committed to supporting the Garibaldina’s growth, strengthening our sense of community, and helping ensure our traditions thrive for generations to come.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can usually find me on the bocce court. I’m a co-chair for the upcoming Il Mercato (the best time of the year!). I enjoy baking and I love sharing my creations even more. What first drew me to the Garibaldina was its strong sense of community, connection, and tradition, something that’s incredibly close to my heart and continues to bring me joy every time I’m here.  

I bring over ten years of experience in the music non-profit world, where I’ve led marketing, promotion, and community-focused initiatives. I now work as a creative project manager, a role that lets me live in the details and bring ideas to life. I would be honored to bring my experience to the Council and help support the programs, events, and community that make the Garibaldina so special. 

Hi there! My name is Kait Leonard. I’m not Italian, but I’ve lived in Rome, Bologna, and Florence, and I speak Italian (more fluently if there’s a glass of wine involved). I studied Psychology and Italian Studies at UC Berkeley, and my career has spanned kitchens, Food Network productions, and now running my own creative marketing agency, Back of House, which specializes in PR and social media. You may have seen me hosting Vine & Dine for Food Access LA here at the G, arranging flowers for the Past Presidents’ Ball, or lending a hand in the kitchen.

Formerly a student body president, I understand the balance of listening, considering many perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions that support a community’s shared values. I love the Garibaldina because it’s a place where I can connect with people outside of work, celebrate heritage, and enjoy good company. I’m grateful this organization exists and would be honored to help preserve it for years to come. 

As your incumbent 2nd Vice President, I am honored to seek re-election.

Over the past two years, I have been at the forefront of the Garibaldina’s growth and renewal. I helped create and refine the systems that cut our membership wait time from more than a year to just a few months — bringing new members into our Society faster, smoother, and with a warmer welcome. I’ve helped launch programs and events that have brought new faces through our doors and re-energized longtime members.

I have been present at nearly every meeting, event, and gathering. My commitment to the Garibaldina isn’t casual — it is complete, consistent, and life-long. Serving this club is one of the great honors of my life.

With your support, I will continue strengthening our processes, supporting our traditions, and bringing new energy into the Society we all love.

I respectfully ask for your vote.

My name is Elizabeth Rizo, but most of you know me as Liz. I’ve been a member of the Garibaldina for two years, and from the moment my Aunt Angelica brought me here, I felt something special. She has been part of this club for 25 years and even served on the council, and I’m proud to follow in her footsteps.

This past year, I’ve had the chance to serve as an alternate on the council, and I’ve tried to be as involved as possible - helping with the dinner dance committee, the First Fridays committee ( I love First Fridays), and jumping in with décor whenever it’s needed. I’ve gotten to know many of you through these events, and what stands out the most to me is the sense of warmth, tradition, and community that lives here.

I’m running for council because the Garibaldina truly feels like my happy place. I care deeply about preserving the history and the magic that makes this club what it is, while also supporting the ways we continue to grow. It would mean a lot to me to have the chance to serve with a full vote and to give back to a place that has already given me so much.