In May 1984, CIAO was incorporated by way of Letters Patent as a not-for-profit organization.
The idea behind CIAO was conceived in the fall of 1983 by Michael Pepe and Ralph Palumbo who were joined by John Capo. An inaugural wine and cheese reception was held in October 1984. At the first General Meeting on November 29, 1984, John Capo was unanimously elected as the first President.
John A. Capo – first president, 1984 to 1993
Enrico Depasquale – 1993 to 1997
Lucia Favret – 1997 to 1999
Louie R. Genova – 1999 to 2005
Brigida Colangelo – 2005 to 2007
Joseph Colangelo – 2007 to 2012
Vince A. Pileggi, 2012 to present
Canadian Italian Advocates Organization
3800 Steeles Ave W
Woodbridge, ON L4L 4G9
(416) 744-9595