Dear Members of the Italian American Community,

I extend our heartfelt congratulations to John Viola, and his parents, Vincent and Teresa, owners of the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

The Panthers won their first title in franchise history on June 24 with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the championship series.

It’s especially exciting for all of us to see the Viola family achieve such prominence and success in the sports world because they have been so generous and helpful to the Italian American community.

John has truly become one of the most prominent and influential Italian American leaders in our country. He serves as VP of COPOMIAO, NYC District VP of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, founder and host of the Italian American Podcast, and Co-founder and Chair of the Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) platform. And, he has recently opened the new Italian American Podcast studio — Red Sauce Studio — in the heart of NYC’s Little Italy, which will soon be joined by the adjacent Italian American Emporium.

Working with John in his various leadership roles has allowed me to observe firsthand the passion and pride he has in our heritage, and to admire everything he does to preserve and promote it.

John’s parents, Vincent and Teresa, have played a crucial role in the huge success of the IAFL  program. They have generously donated the use of Amerant Bank Arena to host the IAFL events, while also providing the meals and entertainment for the attendees who participate in the program.

The Viola family stands as a pillar of excellence in the Italian American community. They set an outstanding example for all of us to follow, while instilling in us a strong sense of pride.

From the perspective of the Italian American community, there could not be a more deserving family to be honored with the Stanley Cup trophy.

Let’s hope it’s just the first of many more to come.

 

Sincerely,