Look no further for Valentine’s Day plans. The Italian Club is hosting an authentic Italian dinner with live music on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Lightle House. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Remo Jacuzzi scholarship fund, which aids students studying Italian at Harding, according to associate professor of foreign language and Italian Club sponsor Dr. Joli Love.
“It’s going to be all Italian recipes,” Love said. “It’s going to be a sit-down dinner. We’re going to make homemade pasta with homemade red sauce and homemade Italian desserts.”
Sophomore Michela Giordano, a member of the Italian club, will be assisting Love with cooking the meals for the evening. Giordano’s father is from Italy, and many of the recipes featured will be from her family.
According to Giordano, the menu includes a bruschetta appetizer, salad, homemade pasta, Chicken a’ la Giordano, Involtini di Melanzane and strawberry yogurt parfait.
“The event will be a good opportunity for something different,” Giordano said. “It’s not just a restaurant. It’s going to be a lot more personalized than that. The event will be at the Loves’ home; and it’s a beautiful place with a great environment.”
Italian Club members will be assisting throughout the night in serving the meal and providing support during the event. Love said she hopes the event will raise more money for student scholarships and promote the activities of the Italian Club on campus.
According to Love, the club, which includes 37 students, offers a place for members to continue their Harding University in Florence experience, provides scholarships to Italian-studying students, and promotes support opportunities for Italian charities, devotionals and missions.
Junior member Noah Watson said it is important to have an experience beyond the boundaries of one’s culture and Italian Club offers just that.
“It’s a great opportunity for students,” Watson said. “It’s also easily accessible for students. It doesn’t require you to go overseas and hours and hours on a plane. You can still get a taste of the Italian culture right here.”
Giordano and Love invite Harding students and Searcy citizens to the event to support the Italian Club and to enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day experience.
“I think we’re going to have a great night,” Giordano said. “It’s going to be a romantic and fun time for all that attend.”
Tickets for the event are $25 per person, $45 per couple or $80 for a table of four. Roses will also be available for sale for $5. To RSVP, visit bit.ly/icsanvalentino or call Love at 501-230-8756. The Lightle House is located at 605 E. Race Ave. in Searcy, Arkansas.
