TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Italian Feast Marks 34th Year

Tribune file photo (2008)

Though slowed by a stroke, Al Noto is continuing to provide free meals on St. Joseph's feast day.

ADVERTISEMENT

By MICHELLE BEARDEN

mbearden@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

TAMPA - Skip breakfast on Thursday and loosen your belt for lunch.

For the 34th year, in a tradition that defines Tampa, retired businessman Al Noto, his family and friends will serve a free Italian made-from-scratch feast in honor of St. Joseph.

It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Tampa Convention Center, 3005 W. Columbus Drive.

The event benefits MacDonald Training Center, a program dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. Diners are encouraged to make a donation for the bountiful meal, which includes spaghetti, homemade vegetarian sauce, fried fish, chopped Swiss chard and cauliflower. Sweets include Italian doughnuts, cookies and sticky pignolatas.

The center estimates the feast has raised more than $400,000 for the center over the years. In 2008, about 1,000 guests donated more than $16,000 - all of which went directly to fund its services and life enrichment programs.

Like most nonprofits, MacDonald is caught in an economic squeeze. The center lost 7.21 percent of its funding this year, forcing the organization to trim services and therapies, freeze staff positions and cut back on other assistance such as helping clients with rent and utility payments.

The budget shortfall makes Thursday's benefit more vital than ever, Chief Executive and President Jim Freyvogel said.

"For me, the St. Joseph's Day feast is all about generosity, from the sponsors who give the food without expecting anything in return to the volunteers who work so tirelessly," he said. "It's all about continuity with the past and hope for the future."

Diners will be serenaded by one of West Tampa's favorite crooners, Johnny Charo. Many of the center's clients will be waiting tables and greeting guests.

Although he's in failing health from a stroke, Noto plans to attend the party he created out of love for a Catholic saint and a promise he made to him.

More than three decades ago, he struck a deal with St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers. Help me out, he prayed, and I will serve you.

Something transpired between the two - Noto has never revealed exactly what - but he has kept his unwavering commitment to the saint.

His grown children still oversee the preparation, cooking and baking for the feast, remembering the values their dad instilled in them as youngsters: Be a giver, not a taker. Lend a hand to a stranger.

For information about the feast, call (813) 870-1300.

Reporter Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT