Italian Heritage Month Kicks off with live ABC on-air party

By Karen Ostlund

Mama mia that's one big spicy meatball

HOLLYWOOD CA (Hollywood Today) 09/28/09 – Late night host Jimmy Kimmel, Tommy Lasorda and Adam Carolla were the big meatballs at the 8th Annual Feast Of San Gennaro here in Hollywood closed its door late recently, after four intensive days in the California sun. This Italian Feast is originally a 78-year-old New York tradition, but it has become very popular here in Los Angeles. It is supposed to start off Italian Heritage month in October. The schedule of Italian Heritage events can be found on their official website of feastofla.org.

The biggest opening attraction was the world record of the almost 200 pound meatball cooked on stage by Jimmy Kimmel .It aired live for his evening TV Show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on ABC.

Precious Cheese’s own Chef Marco was doing cooking demonstration at their booth and giving out free mozzarella & tomatoes brochette, recipes and coupon.

“Just spin the Precious wheel and we take care of the prize” they said.”Every spin is a win”

This year as every year it is sponsored by Precious Cheese and the location was the Jimmy Kimmel show stage, and the walking area between Orange and Highland, just south of Hollywood Blvd.

Host Jimmy Kimmel and co-presenter Adam Carolla commented Saturday night to the crowd:

“We have never seen so many people show up to a San Gennaro Feast before” and ticket sale (only $5) is record high.

Jimmy Kimmel told us in an earlier interview that he and his family look forward to this great Italian tradition of food, music, bocce, bingo, animators and carnival rides every year.

The first evening was called “Prima Notte” and it was the Opening Gala benefitting The San Gennaro Foundation charitable programs, helping underprivileged children, families and homeless in Los Angeles.

The live and silent auction hosted by the team Jimmy Kimmel & Adam Corolla has became one of the biggest proceeds for the non-profit charity.

Auction item included “Getaway Cruises and Vacation to Italy-London-Paris-Miami and Mexico and two framed and autographed guitars by Aerosmith and AC/DC.

Newcomers among the performances on Jimmy Kimmel main stage was the trio songbirds:”Tre Bella”, Mark Giovi”, Autumn Scarlett, Bobby Barron, Jacqueline Becker, Joey Gian and Natasha Corrigan.

Every year a prominent Italian-American will be honored by the San Gennaro Foundation and this years’

“Humanitarian Award” went to Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department: Sharon Papa.

She joined the LA Police department in 1997 when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)Police merged with LA Police Department .She had a long successful road with her assignments including: uniformed patrol, investigations, recruitment, training and Internal Affairs.

Sharon Papa became made city history on February 23rd 2003, when she was sworn in as the first woman promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.