UNICO National was founded on October 10, 1922, in Waterbury, Connecticut, by Dr. Anthony P. Vastola and a group of 15 dedicated Italian Americans. Their vision was to create an organization devoted to community service, charitable giving, educational scholarships, patriotism, and preserving Italian American heritage.
The name UNICO is the Italian word for “unique,” reflecting the founders’ belief that the organization would stand apart by placing service above fraternity. Over time, UNICO also came to represent the values of Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity, and Opportunity.
Following World War I, many Italian Americans faced prejudice despite their tremendous sacrifices while serving the United States. UNICO was founded to demonstrate the loyalty and patriotism of Italian Americans while encouraging members to become active civic leaders and serve their communities with pride.
After World War II, UNICO merged with the National Civic League, founded by Antonio R. Rizzuto of Omaha, Nebraska. Both organizations shared a common vision of uniting Italian Americans through community service, civic responsibility, and volunteerism. This merger helped establish UNICO National as the premier Italian American service organization in the United States.
Since becoming UNICO National in 1947, the organization has donated millions of dollars to charitable causes throughout the United States and abroad.
UNICO proudly supports:
• Educational Scholarships
• Community Service Projects
• Disaster Relief Efforts
• Cancer & Medical Research
• Cooley’s Anemia Research
• Mental Health Programs
• Veterans & Patriotic Initiatives
• Local & National Charities
Each year, approximately $1 million is donated through UNICO National and its chapters to scholarships and charitable organizations.
UNICO has become a national leader in promoting Italian American history and culture while combating negative stereotypes through education and advocacy.
The organization has funded endowed Chairs in Italian Studies at leading universities including:
• University of Connecticut
• Seton Hall University
• California State University – Long Beach
• SUNY Stony Brook
• Montclair State University
These educational partnerships continue to preserve Italian and Italian American history for future generations.
The UNICO Highland Beach Chapter was officially chartered by UNICO National on November 11, 2014.
Today, our chapter proudly carries forward the mission established more than a century ago by serving our community through:
• Scholarships
• Charitable Fundraising
• Community Service
• Cultural Events
• Educational Programs
• Support for Local & National Charities
Our mission is simple:
To serve our community, support education, promote patriotism, preserve Italian American heritage, and make a lasting difference through volunteerism and charitable giving.
The UNICO Highland Beach Chapter is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our community through volunteerism, philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation.
