Our 73rd Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance

June 21, 2007 at

Russo’s on the Bay,
162-45 Cross Bay Blvd.
Howard Beach section of Queens

The Columbia Association 2007 Man of the Year

Vincent A. Tummino
International Columbia Association, President

Vincent Tummino has served on the Executive board of the Columbia Association FDNY for 15 years, of which he was the President for the past 9 years. He retired from The NYC Fire Department in 2006 after 36 years of service. Vincent was appointed in 1970 to Engine 26 in midtown Manhattan, in 1981 he was transferred to Engine 154 Staten Island, and in 1990 transferred to Battalion 22.

He has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve the Italian culture and heritage, and to perpetuate the association's history and camaraderie.

After September 11th, he made it his mission to always remember those killed on that horrific day. He has travel to Italy over 20 times in the past five years, to attend the many ceremonies dedicating parks, buildings, fire stations and ceremonies in honor of those killed on 9/11. He has attended special masses, and accepted contributions for the scholarship fund, while thanking the many people of Italy who have helped us. His efforts and perseverance is what helped make the Columbia Association what it is today, a very recognizable organization in the USA & Italy.

Vincent Tummino is a descendant of Naples and Vittoria, Sicily, and holds a dual citizenship. He has been knighted on three occasions from the Italian government, including being bestowed with the great honor of Cavaliere, from the President of the Republic of Italy; in addition Vincent was awarded the Colapesce and Caragliano awards from the Sicilian government. He was Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2002 San Francisco Columbus Day Parade. He is a recipient of the humanitarian from the Community of Mayors, was Man of the Year from the Florida Federation of Italians Americans, and received the New York City Italian Heritage Award.

Along with a strong dedication to his work within the Italian and Italian American communities, Vincent served for 27 years in the United States Army Reserves and received the Army Commendation Medal, he was also the co-developer & instructor of the FDNY's Battalion Aides course.

He serves on the boards of Staten Island Botanical Gardens, Coalition of Italian Americans, Advisory council of the Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance, Italian American Museum, is an Associate Mayor with the Community of Mayors, and is a member of the Order for the Italian Legion of Merit.

He recently founded the International Columbia Association and serves as its Ambassador. www.internationalcolumbia.com

will be presented to

The Friends of Firefighters
Nancy Carbone, Executive Director

Friends of Firefighters, Inc. is a New York City not-for-profit organization that began as a community-based response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th. While Friends of Firefighters initially responded to the immediate needs of the firehouses, our mission has evolved and expanded in the years since to include the entire firefighting community of Greater New York. Having built trust amongst this traditionally closed population, Friends of Firefighters is a conduit linking both active and retired members of the FDNY to the appropriate programs that fit their needs.

Columbia AssociationSpecial Recognition Award

will be presented to

The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation
Brian D. Starer, Equity Partner and Vice Chairman

Holland & Knight attorneys and staff believe the time-honored traditions of civic, charitable and pro bono service have a central role in the modern day practice of law. Though our outreach efforts vary among our office locations throughout the world, we are united in our common goal to improve our communities for all.

We serve as members of bar associations, governmental bodies, and in leadership roles in non-profit organizations, economic development groups, higher education institutions and numerous civic initiatives.

Holland & Knight's long history of philanthropy is now managed and coordinated by the Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation, which was established as a 501(c)(3) public charity in 1996. Funded through contributions from the firm, our attorneys and staff, as well as external sources, the foundation underwrites three important programs that support education.

Staffed by volunteers, our Opening Doors for Children program serves as a mentoring and tutoring program for thousands of children and schools across America. In addition, we proudly support our Foundation's Holocaust Remembrance Project - a national essay contest for high school students to promote the study of the Holocaust. Last, but not least, the Foundation's newest project encourages young Native Americans to research and write about their culture and history. It is entitled Young Native Writers Essay Contest.

Holland & Knight is multi-practice law firm with offices all around the United States and abroad. It is the 14th largest law firm in the United States. We have earned a place among the largest and most prominent law firms because of the diversity and talent of our lawyers and staff and their unflagging commitment to providing outstanding legal advice and unsurpassed client service. At Holland & Knight, we recognize that our people are at their best when they have challenging and rewarding work that is accomplished in an environment characterized by a healthy balance between client, family and community commitments. Our Balanced Work/Life Policy is a good example of how we value and support the whole person.

Aside from these three programs, we are active in numerous causes that touch both global and local communities, including disaster relief programs and funding for medical research.

Holland & Knight Dedicates 9-11 Memorial Wall In a ceremony punctuated by dignitary appearances and attended by hundreds of surviving family members of New York City Firefighters who died on Sept. 11, the 9-11 Memorial Wall was formally unveiled and presented to the NYC Fire Department. The dedication, held June 10, marks the fourth anniversary of the conclusion of Fire Department recovery operations at Ground Zero.

Read the New York Times article... click here