To the Editor:

The stars were all in alignment for us on Sunday, as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Dorothea’s House — an institution that first served as a gathering place for Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century, but has evolved through the years to serve the whole community.

The skies were sunny, the food was delicious, and the entertainment was delightful as nearly 500 people turned out to help us celebrate the Princeton institution that was built as a living memorial to Dorothea van Dyke McLane, a young Princeton volunteer who unselfishly gave her time and efforts to help Princeton’s poor Italian immigrants.

Many, many thanks to the public, who turned out in droves, and to the myriad sponsors who helped make the day such a success. The food was abundant, thanks partly to Carlo and Raoul Momo, from the Terra Momo Restaurant Group, who helped us brainstorm from the first germ of an idea for the festivities a year and a half ago. Grazie mille to all the other food purveyors from Princeton for their generosity: D’Angelo’s, Mezzaluna, Osteria Procaccini, College Park Cafe, Chambers Walk; and the Bent Spoon, who provided gelato pops served from an ice chest attached to a Vespa scooter. Thanks also to Princeton University for supplying the bottled water, to an anonymous donor for the soft drinks, and to Firriato Winery for the wine-tasting.

Pondini Imports and Marcelli Imports also kept the crowd happy with their abundant Italian cheese selections; and Le Virtù restaurant in Philadelphia, as well as Rana Pastificio from New York, wowed everyone with a wealth of delicious food, from grilled lamb skewers to pasta with lobster. We capped off the day’s events with a luscious cannoli and nutella-filled cake provided by Chez Alice. It was a feast worthy of a centennial celebration and we on the Dorothea’s House board of trustees are so grateful for everyone’s participation.

Bravi also to the Coro D’Italia, an Italian folk ensemble from Montclair, and to Joe and Sandra Pucciatti, founders of the Boheme Opera NJ, for providing us with two talented opera singers for the occasion and keeping the public entertained all afternoon.

A big grazie also to the organizations that donated door prizes, including McCarter Theatre, Despaña, the Bent Spoon, Boheme Opera, North End Bistro, Mezzaluna, Chambers Walk, and Mediterra, as well as board member Dino Spadaccini for his donation of two tickets to a 76ers basketball game. The day would not have been such a stellar success without the hard work of everyone on the board and the myriad volunteers who stepped up to the plate.

Sunday’s event highlighted the good will and camaraderie that is evident throughout the year at Dorothea’s House and we are grateful that Dorothea’s grace continues to shine down upon us. For more information about Dorothea’s House, its mission, it classes and programs, visit our website at www.dorotheashouse.org.

Linda Prospero, Chair

Dorothea’s House, John Street