Annual Banquet, "Gaeta Night"
The Saints Cosmas and Damian Society hosts its annual banquet each fall. Over the years, the banquet has grown in size as it has become a more popular event among the local Italian/American community, dignitaries, businesses, and supporters of our organization.
The event is organized by the DiDomenico family, a prominent family of our society. All proceeds benefit the Society and the charities we support. Entertainers such as Anna Marie Alberghetti, Lou Carry, Mario Tacca, Mary Mancini, Christina Fontanelli, The Capris, Joey Dee and the Starliters, The Cosmos, and Enzo Amara have entertained the banquet crowd over the years. A full course Italian meal is served to all guests as Italian/American dance music fills the air. The Society members also donate several gift baskets for a spectacular gift/raffle table.
The hallmark of the evening is the presentation of the Society's Man and Woman of the Year Awards. These annual awards of honor are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Society, or to the Italian/American community. These awards have been presented to such individuals since 1987. On occasion, the Society has also presented the President's Award and the Family of the Year Award to notable individuals and families in recognition of their efforts toward the organization.

Recipients of the Man and Woman of the Year Award
Year | Man of the Year Award Recipient |
Woman of the Year Award Recipient(s) |
2016 | Nicola DiSantis (Italian Counsul General) |
Maria Gioconda Motta (C.A.S.IT. President) |
2013 | Joseph Russo (Sons of Italy National 1st Vice President) |
Carmelita Bello (Sons of Italy State President) |
2012 | Damiano Granata (Society member) |
Maria Albano Lisi (Society friend) |
2011 | Antonio Raimondi (Mayor of Gaeta) |
Anna Maria Mclain (Society member) |
2010 | James DiStefano (Society friend) |
Elaine Leccese (Society member) |
2009 | James Leccese (Society member) |
Elisabetta Mitrano (Society friend) |
2008 | Sal DiDomenico Sr. (Society chairman) |
Anna Granata (Society member) |
2007 | Stephen Maio (Society friend) |
Dorothy Maio (Society friend) |
2006 | Mayor Joe Curtatone (Mayor of Somerville) |
Jenny Carvello (Society member) |
2005 | Richard Rossi (Assistant city manager) |
Sandra Albano and Maryellen Carvello (Society friends) |
2004 | Louie Rietano (Society member) |
Madelena Leccese (Society member) |
2003 | Roland Farinato (Society member) |
Mary (Dee Dee) Albano (Society friend) |
2002 | Sal DiDomenico Jr. (Society vice president) |
Tricia DiDomenico (Society member) |
2001 | Frank Privitera (Society benefactor) |
Jean Privitera (Society benefactor) |
2000 | Anthony Leccese (Society recording secretary) |
Gianinna Granata (Society trustee) |
1999 | Piero DeMasi (Italian Counsul General, Boston) |
Margie Cahn Saluti (Society friend) |
1998 | Peter Ingeneri (President of Pyrindello Lyceum) |
Christina Nardella (Society member) |
1997 | Major General Dr. Dean Saluti (Society friend) |
Mary Ann Esposito (Italian Chef, WGBH TV) |
1996 | Fred Salvucci (Society friend) |
Pamela Donnaruma (Editor of Boston's Post Gazette) |
1995 | Fr. Anthony Spinosa (Society friend) |
Antonietta Borriello (Society vice president) |
1994 | Richard Leccese (Society adviser) |
Anna Foti (Society friend) |
1993 | Mike Nicoloro (Society friend) |
Norma Buonomo (Society member) |
1992 | Salvatore "Sonny" Reale (Society member) |
Maria Valente (Society president) |
1991 | Roberto Falaschi (Italian Counsul General, Boston) |
Yolanda Cellucci ("First Lady of Fashion") |
1990 | Alexander Buonaugurio (Society member) |
Ozvalda "Ozzie" Capotosto (Society financial secretary) |
1989 | Charles "Sonny" DeFrancesco (Society friend) |
Anna Macera (Society founder) |
1988 | Mayor Alfred Vellucci (Former mayor of Cambridge) |
Marie DiDomenico (Society chairwoman) |
1987 | Cardinal Bernard Law (Bishop, Archdiocese of Boston) |
Maria Colaruotolo and Anna Amendola (Sociey founders) |
Recipients of the President's Award
Year | Recipient(s) |
2016 | Michael McLaughlin (Society member) |
2007 | Anna Maria Mclain (Society member) |
2006 | Lino Rullo (Society friend) |
2004 | Rosa Uttaro (Society member) |
2002 | David Clem of Lyme Properties (Society benefactor) |
2001 | State Representative Tim Toomey (Society friend) |
2000 | Mary Aufiero (Society friend) |
1991 | Frank and Jean Privitera (Society benefactors) |
Recipients of the Family of the Year Award
Year | Recipient(s) |
2013 | The Nardella Family |
2012 | The Trifone Family |
2011 | The DiDomenico Family |
2009 | The DiBiase Family |
2008 | The Reitano Family |
2007 | The Leccese Family |