Welcome to the web site of the Gulf Coast Italian Culture Society of Sarasota, Florida. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota has world renown white beaches, professional and amateur theatre, opera, symphony, and ballet companies, along with numerous restaurants catering to any taste.
The GCICS is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit, society whose membership includes persons from all walks of life and from all ethnic origins who enjoy experiencing Italian culture and are interested in its preservation and dissemination.
Its objectives are to promote awareness and appreciation of the Italian culture and the many outstanding contributions that Italians and Italian Americans have made in every field. It affords members the opportunity to become more intimately involved in Italian culture, namely, art, literature, music, dance, architecture, and the beautiful Italian language.
Founded in 1990, the GCICS was the inspiration of Professor Joseph Antonio Raffaele, Ph.D. He felt that while Americans of Italian heritage participate in all aspects of American life, they also wish to preserve their Italian heritage for themselves and their children. The GCICS is an affiliate of the National Italian American Foundation and works with the Italian Consul General of Miami on international programs.
GCICS provides Scholarships to worthy local college-bound students of full or partial Italian heritage and donates Awards to Opera and Ballet youth groups. Through various fund-raisers and membership contributions, more than $100,000 has been donated since 1994.
