Savoy Orders Celebrate Ballo di Savoia (Savoy Ball) December 12, 2009

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New York, New York - Saturday, December 12, 2009 was a special evening in the life of The American Delegation of Savoy Orders as its charitable arm, the Savoy Foundation as it celebrated fine tradition at its 12th Annual Ballo Di Savoia (Savoy Ball). Despite the challenging economic times, the Savoy Foundation continued its timeless values of philanthropy, education and goodwill through its honorable patrons and benefactors. Some 250 members and guests attended the stellar event at a private club in New York City. Led by American Delegate Carl Morelli, Esq. and Foundation President Marco Grassi, the event was highlighted by the presence of the Grand Chancellor of the Savoy Orders, Johannes Niederhauser and Dott. Sergio Pellechi, who is the Coordinator of the Americas for the Orders. The Savoy Orders are headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and have 35 Delegation worldwide that support the ongoing charitable works of these ancient Dynastic Orders of Knighthood and Merit.

Mr. Morelli, who holds the rank of Knight Grand Cross, in both the Order of Merit of Savoy and the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, commented that: “The Annual Ballo di Savoia serves two specific and distinct purposes, for it is the principal means by which the American Foundation of Savoy Orders gathers the funds necessary for its charitable goals, and in the designation of grants in medical, educational and social assistance areas. For those reasons, we are most appreciative of the outstanding support this year.”

The American Delegation of Savoy Orders, which includes the United States of America and Canada, is a part of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, among the oldest orders of chivalry in the world. Their origins and their principles, traditions and humanitarian goals date back a thousand years. HRH Prince Victor Emmanuel, Prince of Naples and Duke of Savoy, is Head of the House of Savoy and Grand Master of the Savoy Orders. His ancestor, King Victor Emmanuel II, united the nation of Italy under his rule between 1861 and 1870 and the Prince’s father, King Umberto II was Italy’s last reigning sovereign. He died in 1983.

This year’s Annual Ballo di Savoia Gala Weekend commenced with a welcoming reception at a private club in New York City on December 11, and was followed by a National Council meeting on Saturday morning that preceded the Ceremony and Mass of Investiture at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Some 10 new members were invested, while 6 were promoted in rank. The sell out attendance on Saturday evening was a result of the commitment and dedication to charitable causes that members of the Savoy Delegation and Foundation espouse in their activities. The members have supported such outstanding organizations as St. Vincent’s Hospital, Boys Towns of Italy, the Hospice Program at Cabrini Medical Center and the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. As well, during the course of the year there are events such as the Savoy History Lecture Series and a Festa della Primavera dinner(Spring Festival) to salute the spring season. The Foundation‘s good works also include participation as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Roster Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Its web site is www.savoia.org.

“The Ballo di Savoia was truly a memorable night for everyone and a real tribute to the Savoy Foundation volunteer efforts throughout the year. The event provides an outstanding social experience as well as raising needed funds for the charities supported by the Savoy Orders,” stated Cmdr. Marco Grassi, President of the Savoy Foundation.

The events culminated on Sunday, December 13, 2009, with a Procession and Solemn Mass with Knights and Dames of the Savoy Orders at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, where traditional Savoy Orders church robes were worn, thereby creating a highly emotional and historic event, as in the medieval ages, in the Neo-Gothic Cathedral. The ceremony was a spectacular tribute to the Christmas season as noted by Most Rev. Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, who was the main celebrant of the Liturgy, with some 3000 attendees. The Savoy Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus was consolidated from two ancient orders of knighthood by Pope Gregory XIII in 1572 when he conferred the Grand Mastership of the Order upon the Duke of Savoy and his successor heads of the House of Savoy, in perpetuity. The current Duke, HRH Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, who resides in Switzerland, is the 17th Grand Master of the Savoy Orders.

Cmdr. Joseph Sciame, the 2009 Ballo Chairman, stated: “Philanthropists go the extra mile when times are hard, always looking for innovative ways to change the world through their gifts of time, talent and treasure. We can all do something to improve the human condition in this world, and to know that even one life has been brightened because of our efforts, is what the Savoy Orders is all about. While the calendar may have been busy with events of social, cultural and charitable significance for all, the Savoy Orders were there in full force to celebrate the season and purposes of our Orders. We are already planning for 2010!”

For more information, please contact:
Larissa Van Duser
212-972-1100, ext. 245
646-489-1242
amsavoy@aol.com
www.savoia.org