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Luncheon A Labor Of Love

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

WEST TAMPA - Sue Mesko's enthusiasm for the St. Joseph's Feast Day Italian luncheon and fundraiser hasn't waned after more than two decades.

The luncheon, held March 19, the Feast Day of St. Joseph, raises thousands of dollars for her organization, MacDonald Training Center, a Tampa nonprofit that assists developmentally disabled adults.

The luncheon has brought people together since 1975, when it was started by Al Noto.

Noto, 83, of West Tampa, is a retired warehouse foreman for Tampa Wholesale Liquor. After a prayer came true, he kept a promise to St. Joseph to give back to the community. St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers.

"That is the important part; the fellowship of the community," said Mesko, the center's executive administrative assistant. "To see that same group of people come together every year.

"The outpouring of support you get," Mesko said. "They come back year after year after year. To me, that is true philanthropy."

The community spirit lives in the event, with the Noto family preparing the meatless spaghetti sauce, fish and vegetables.

An estimated 150 volunteers help stage the event. Volunteers help prepare the food and work on the serving line. Some of them are local celebrities, including retired Judges Dennis Alvarez and E.J. Salcines, and former Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman.

"It's a labor of love from everyone who participates," Freedman said. "Everyone pitches in and helps MacDonald's Training Center. It's just one of those unique things."

An altar erected in honor of St. Joseph is piled with fruit, vegetables, pastries and flowers. There is live Italian music. Guests are asked to contribute an anonymous donation.

Last year, more than 1,000 people showed up to eat, and more than $18,000 was raised for the center.

Although Noto has slowed down, his family continues the tradition.

"We do it for my father; we do it for the center," said daughter Josie Noto, 47, of Tampa. "It's a promise that he made and we want to see it through."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: St. Joseph's Feast Day
WHERE: West Tampa Convention Center, 3005 W. Columbus Drive

WHAT: An Italian luncheon and fundraiser for Tampa's MacDonald Training Center, a nonprofit that assists developmentally disabled adults

WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday

COST: Donation requested

CONTACT: Sue Mesko at (813) 323-3802

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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