Montville UNICO Foundation Puts Service Above Self

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Since 1989, Montville UNICO has contributed over $2 million to those in need. Giving financial support for terminally ill children, relief funds for families affected by the World Trade Center disaster, and holiday donations for needy families, are examples UNICO has supported over the years. UNICO is also the largest Italian American service organization in the United States and has recently celebrated 100-years of “Service Above Self” (1922 to 2022).

Joan Bunda, of Towaco, joined the Montville chapter five years ago. She and a girlfriend who shared Italian culture figured “why not?” Their kids were in high school, and they decided to dedicate their time to something that was of interest to them. Bunda is Chair of Membership Committee.

“We unite our Italian heritage. Being proud Italian Americans, we come together as a group to have fundraisers and support local community,” Bunda said. During meetings, members pitch opportunities of how to help people in the community. “Any individual we hear about, we donate to their plight,” she added. “Just knowing we’re helping people motivates us.”

During meetings, members discuss business, but they also learn about Italian heritage and share their stories. “It’s really good comradery,” said Bunda.

With any organization there will always be challenges. Bunda said that funds were low during the pandemic, but not things are getting better. They just keep looking for more opportunities to help others.

UNICO meetings take once a month at The Co- lumbia Inn, 29 Route 202 (Main Road), Montville. But Bunda pointed out that the chapter is not just for people in Montville. “Anybody can join,” she encouraged. Currently there are 42 members. “We’d like to increase the number,” Bunda said. “That’s my main goal.”

Volunteering for UNICO has so many rewards, but continued on page 4