Get to know the IBC

History and Mission

For 68 years, the IBC has been a proud and important part  of Portland's Italian community. Established by Portland businessmen of Italian heritage, the organization was formed with this mission:

  • Providing assistance for a disaster in Italy, the Po River flood of 1951. That tradition of contributing to many worthwhile causes,locally as well as in Italy, has continued through the years
  • Promoting Italian culture and language
  • Celebrating our love of Italian culture and common background with friends and family

Of course, many changes have occurred over the  years, as well as changing the original name, Italian Businessmen's Club to the Italian Benvenuti Club, keeping the acronym IBC.


Today's IBC consists of men and women of Italian heritage and others who love Italian culture, believe in our mission and 'la Dolce Vita', an Italian phrase which comes from the film of that name and has come to mean ‘the good life’ in a positive way, not living life mainly for the luxury and pleasure as depicted in the film.



               2019 Club Officers

 President:  Tony Leonetti

 VP:                  Stefani Longhi-Call

Treasurer:    Deb Wilson

Secretary:    "Chelle"  Ordway


More than a club, we are friends and family with a common background, heritage and interest.


We hold several  social club gatherings throughout the year.  More formal club meetings are held, when necessary,  for   for elections, planning and other key issues. 


The business of the club is primarily  accomplished  by the IBC board at monthly meetings (all members are invited),  and communicated to members via emails (and other digital means) and short discussions  during social meetings, etc.


Social functions are sometimes fund raisers open to all, others are  club social events; barbecues, bocce games, holiday parties and club gatherings at interesting venues such as beer gardens, vineyards, and member's homes, sometimes with interesting guest speakers. We also participate as a group  and volunteer  with other Italian events in Portland, such as the Festa Italiana, Scuola Italiana's Carnevale and Columbus Banquet

 

Our largest events, open to all, are an annual grape harvest celebration, 'La Vendemmia', a traditional Italian festival of food, wine, music and friendship and also at least one spring/summer social event.


   

Scholarships and Service

The IBC has remained committed to the ideals of cultural awareness and civic service upon which it was founded. Of course, being of Italian heritage, we also have a good time together.


Congratulations to the IBC Foundation's 2018 recipient of a $2000 scholarship to  Rachel Lindquist, a senior at Portland State.  This scholarship is provide for Oregon college students of Italian heritage.  We also assist financially and professionally the Scuola Italiana di Portland.


Over the years, we have helped local charities and,  in Italy we have supported organizations that assist in the recovery from floods and earthquakes. 


Some of our social functions are fund raisers where members and friends contribute directly to support the IBC Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization.

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Benvenuti! For information or to inquire about membership

Thank you for checking out our website. We welcome your comments and questions. If you would like to apply for membership, the PDF application is below or if you wish more information, contact Tony at the button below.

IBC Application Download

IBC Application (pdf)

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