Italian Benvenuti Club

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.

We are more than a club, we are friends and family with a common background, heritage and interest.Rather than monthly member meetings, we have opted for many social gatherings throughout the year, holding just a few formal member meetings for such things as officer elections and other key business issues. The business of the club is accomplished principally by the board in monthly meetings (all members are invited) and via emails (and other digital means), and short talks at our social meetings, etc.Some of our functions are fund raisers, others are club social events such as barbecues, bocce games, holiday parties and club gatherings at interesting locations such as beer gardens, vineyards, and member's homes. 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 two largest events, open to all, are an annual grape harvest celebration, 'La Vendemmia', a traditional Italian festival of food, wine, music and friendship and a spring event such as the 1950’s style soirees at member George Passadore’s 1950's Classic Cars and Soda Shoppe.

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. We are also members of the Festa Italiana Association and volunteer on its committees and during the annual Portland Festa in August.Some of our social functions are fund raisers where members and friends contribute directly to support the IBC Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization.