Events
While deeply rooted in the past, the Savoy Orders are actively engaged in the challenges of modern society. Every year the proceeds from the Foundation's annual fundraising events - Royal Savoy Ball - Ballo di Savoia, Savoy Lecture Series, St. Lazarus Mass and Celebration Dinner, and the Festa della Primavera (Spring Reception) in New York City, and Notte di Savoia Los Angeles (Night of Savoy Los Angeles) are donated to hospitals, war veterans' disability programs, children's social assistance and other humanitarian causes.
These events provide valuable support enabling the Savoy Foundation to carry out its charitable work to aid children’s causes, hospice care for the poor, sick and infirm, emergency disaster relief and educational programs.
The generous participation of the Knights, Dames and friends of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of Merit of Savoy fosters the continuation of the Savoy Orders’ role in humanitarian and hospitaller assistance and support for its cultural, educational and social initiatives.
Upcoming Events
The 29th Annual Royal Savoy Ball - Ballo di Savoia 2026
Past Events
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders
requests the pleasure of your company
at
The Eighth Annual
Notte di Savoia Los Angeles 2026
Charity for Children's Causes
under the patronage and in the presence of
His Royal Highness Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia
Duke of Savoy, Prince of Venice, Prince of Piedmont
Chair persons
Dame Grand Cross Florentina McClory,
Knight Grand Cross Daniel J McClory
and Commendatore Mike Gatto
White tie or black tie for gentlemen
Long evening dresses for ladies
Orders and decorations
The 8th Annual
Notte di Savoia Los Angeles 2026
Spring charity gala event
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 6:00 PM
The Downtown Jonathan Club
545 S Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
The 20th Annual Saint Lazarus Mass
Missa Cantata with Instruments
April 16, 2026
6:00 PM
Followed by a Celebration Dinner
The Savoy Orders Book Club
Zoom Meetings
The True Spirit of Risorgimento
and the Royal House of Savoy
FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18 and 25
7:00 PM
Virtual
Host - Dr. Jorge N. Zumaeta Bistolfi
The 28th Annual
Royal Savoy Ball
Ballo di Savoia
2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
7:00 PM
The University Club
1 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
Savoy Lecture Series 2025
The Nineteenth Annual Savoy Lecture Series
Lecture and Reception
Pope Pius IX and the Kingdom of Italy
Thursday, October 9, 2025
6 PM Lecture, 7 PM Reception
The Lotos Club
5 East 66th Street
New York, NY 10065
Capitolo Weekend Celebration Dinner in Rome 2025
Notte Di Savoia Los Angeles 2025
19th Annual Saint Lazarus Mass, New York 2025
Europe 2025
Altacomba: A Liturgical Celebration in Suffrage of H.M. King Umberto II and Queen Maria Josè
On Saturday, March 15, at the Abbey of Altacomba, the traditional Mass in suffrage of His Majesty King Umberto II and Queen Maria Josè was celebrated, with the participation of approximately 400 attendees.
Dames and Knights of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy, the Guards of the Pantheon, the Gruppo Savoia, the Compagnon de Savoie, local authorities, and representatives of various associations gathered to pay tribute to the memory of Italy’s last Sovereigns.
Representing the Dynastic Orders were H.R.H. the Grand Master Prince Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Piedmont and Prince of Venice, grandson of the last King of Italy; H.E. the Grand Chancellor Johannes T. Niederhauser; and H.E. the Grand Treasurer Nicholas Gagnebin.
The Holy Mass, celebrated by H.E. Monsignor Franco Lovignana, Bishop of Aosta, was accompanied by the choir “Les Hirondelles” of Aosta, whose chants added solemnity and depth to the ceremony.
At the conclusion of the celebration, all attendees gathered at the Grange Batelière to greet H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto.
A moment of reflection and fellowship that renews the profound bond with the history and values of the House of Savoy.
Past Events 2024
Royal Savoy Ball 2024, New York
The winter charity gala raised funds for the Foundation's mission – Chivalry for Children's Causes – and benefitted Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education's Young Artists Apprenticeship Program. The event's honoree was Jacqueline Weld Drake, Chairperson of Casita Maria.
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Inc. (Savoy Foundation) hosted its 27th Annual Royal Savoy Ball on Saturday, December 7, 2024 in New York City under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont and Prince of Venice. H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, who serves as the U.S. Delegate of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders and a Savoy Foundation board member, was the Ball Chairman of the event. The winter charity gala raised funds for the Foundation's mission – Chivalry for Children's Causes – and benefitted Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education's Young Artists Apprenticeship Program. The event's honoree was Jacqueline Weld Drake, Chairperson of Casita Maria. The white tie, winter charity gala was supported by prominent business, community and society leaders and members and friends of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy. The Ball was part of a four-day weekend of events organized by the American Delegation of Savoy Orders and the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, continuing the spirit and tradition of charitable giving and hospitaller care of the historic dynastic orders of knighthood and merit of the thousand-year Royal House of Savoy. More than 300 guests, some as far away as Japan, attended the elegant charity fundraiser at a private club in New York City.
Savoy Foundation Presents Grants to a Chance in Life - The Village and Cooley's Anemia Foundation
On July 9, 2024
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders, on July 9, 2024, presented grants of $35,000 to A Chance In Life and $35,000 to Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. A Chance In Life provides shelter, education and leadership development for at-risk youth while Cooley’s Anemia Foundation fights thalassemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions and daily drug treatments. The funds for the grants were raised at the Foundation’s 26th annual 2023 “Royal Savoy Ball -Ballo di Savoia” Winter Charity Gala on December 9, 2023 in New York City.
2024 Summer Steak Cookout at White’s Point, Waterford, Connecticut August 3, 2024
Co-Hosted by Grand Officer George C. White and Dame Commander Betsy White
Members and guests of the American Delegation enjoyed a traditional, turn of the century, bona fide summer steak cookout at the historic landmark, beachside family home of Dame Commander Betsy and Grand Officer George White, overlooking Long Island Sound in Waterford, Connecticut on August 3, 2024. Some guests came by train, some by car and some by ferry from Orient Point, Long Island. The White’s had been hosting the annual summer event for the American Delegation of Savoy Orders, weather permitting, since 2010.
Henry Cooke White (1861-1952), the grandfather of Grand Officer George White, was the patriarch of an extremely artistic family, purchased undeveloped land on a coastal part of Waterford, Connecticut in 1891. When passing through the area he found a vantage point overlooking the water, he was overwhelmed by the panoramic view of Long Island Sound, writing in his memoirs, “…I was convinced that this was my Promised land.” Not long after, he built a summer cottage on what became known as White Point the following year. The Whites wintered with his parents in Hartford until they built a year-round home in Waterford in 1913, designed by Wilson Eyre, a Philadelphia architect, after he was inspired by Charles Lang Freer’s home in Detroit. The rustic Shingle style house was constructed of ashlar stone masonry with shingles above, which is sited perfectly on the rocky shoreline. Also on the site is a boat house and garage. Our host and grandson of Henry C. White did not follow in his grandfather’s footsteps as an artist, but rather excelled in the theater arts, establishing the Eugene O'Neill Theater.
The summer social gathering was attended by more than 30 members and guests who travelled from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York City and Southampton, Long Island.
In Memoriam 2024
Past Events 2023
2023 BALLO DI SAVOIA
The 26th Ballo di Savoia (Royal Savoy Ball), the annual winter charity gala hosted by the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, was celebrated on Saturday evening, December 9, 2023 in New York City. The benefit gala was under the patronage of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Victor Emmanuel and Princess Marina of Savoy. The Savoy Foundation welcomed back His Royal Highness Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice and Piedmont and his cousin His Royal Highness Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, who were guests of honor for this occasion. The royal gala also marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Elena of Montenegro, Queen of Italy. The Ball was part of a four-day weekend of events organized by the American Delegation of Savoy Orders and the American Foundation of Savoy Orders. More than 300 patrons, benefactors and guests gathered to support the Savoy Foundation's 26th annual white-tie dinner-dance. The event raised funds in support of the Savoy Foundation's philanthropic mission - Chivalry for Children's Causes - and the event's primary beneficiaries: The Cooley's Anemia Foundation which funds medical research fighting thalassemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusion and daily drug treatment; and A Chance In Life Inc., formerly Boys and Girls Town, which provides resources for empowering, life affirming educational and health-related programs for youth in under-resourced communities on Staten Island's North Shore.
Prior to Saturday's evening Gala, a welcome reception on Friday evening, December 8, was held at the Lotos Club for guests attending the Royal Savoy Ball. At the ball on Saturday, gala attendees enjoyed a champagne reception, hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails before the main program began with a royal fanfare. Alex Donner and His Orchestra provided top-tier dance music for the guests to enjoy.
2023 Notte Di Savoia Los Angeles
SAVOY FOUNDATION'S 2023 "NOTTE DI SAVOIA" GALA IN LOS ANGELES RAISES $300,000 FOR CATERINA'S CLUB CHARITY SERVING HOMELESS CHILDREN
On October 15, 2023, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders presented a record grant of $300,000 to Caterina’s Club, a Southern California based charity aiding homeless children with meals and housing, from funds raised from the Foundation's 2023 "Notte di Savoia" Charity Gala in Los Angeles at the Jonathan Club on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The grant was presented during the annual charity fundraiser for Caterina’s Club on October 15, 2023 which honored H.R.H Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, who was recently elected as Chairman of the Board of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated.
2023 Savoy History Series
Holy Shroud expert, Guy R. Powell presentation
October 30, 2023, New York City
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders presents the 18th Annual Savoy History Series on Monday, October 30, 2023 at The University Club in New York City with guest speaker, author, historian and Holy Shroud expert, Guy R. Powell, who will masterfully weave a myriad of true historical and scientific facts about the Shroud of Turin, Jesus’s burial cloth, into a fascinating presentation about this treasured relic that Christians and the Royal House of Savoy worked to keep safe over the last two millennia. His presentation, based on his recently published book - The Only Witness: A History of the Shroud of Turin - will appeal to the history enthusiast, a fan of ancient mysteries, or a seeker of spiritual growth and will captivate your imagination and leave you pondering the secrets at the heart of the Holy Shroud of Turin.
Mr. Powell will display an actual replica of the Holy Shroud for his presentation. You’ll be captivated by this intriguing account of the Shroud’s miraculous survival from harm and destruction, despite wars, crusades, floods, and fires. Follow its journey from Golgotha in Jerusalem to its final resting place in Turin, Italy, where it has been housed since 1578. Four hundred years later, in 1978, extensive scientific study began in order to prove or disprove its authenticity. Discover for yourself the mystery of the Shroud and determine if you think it is, indeed, the witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2023 Notte Di Savoia
SAVOY FOUNDATION - HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 5TH ANNUAL NOTTE DI SAVOIA GALA FUNDRAISER, APRIL 29, 2023 IN LOS ANGELES AT THE JONATHAN CLUB.
Hundreds of thousands were raised for Caterina's Club aiding homeless and hungry children in Southern California.
CNEWA RECEIVES GRANT 2023
SAVOY FOUNDATION - CATHOLIC NEAR EAST WELFARE ASSOCIATION (CNEWA) RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION OF SAVOY ORDERS
Joseph Sciame, President of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, presented a check for $4,000 on June 27, 2023 to CNEWA's Chair, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York and CNEWA's President, Monsignor Peter I Vacccari at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Manhattan to help support CNEWA's humanitarian relief activities in Turkey/Syria and in Ukraine.
While deeply rooted in the past, the Savoy Orders are actively engaged in the challenges of modern society," states Joseph Sciame, and the Foundation in the United States, based in New York City, supports the humanitarian concerns of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy as well as promotes philanthropic causes of particular concern, from emergency relief to the welfare of children and underserved youth.
A Chance In Life and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Receive Grants 2023
Savoy Foundation Presents Grants to A Chance In Life - The Village and Cooley's Anemia Foundation on April 4, 2023
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders, on April 4, 2023, presented grants of $42,000 to A Chance In Life and $50,000 to Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. A Chance In Life provides shelter, education and leadership development for at-risk youth while Cooley’s Anemia Foundation fights thalassemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions and daily drug treatments. The funds for the grants were raised at the Foundation’s 25th annual 2022 “Ballo di Savoia” Winter Charity Gala on December 17, 2022 in New York City. An additional $10,000 grant was also presented to A Chance In Life for Ukrainian refugee children in Italy from funds raised at the annual Savoy Foundation's St. Lazarus Dinner which was held on April 27, 2022 in New York City.
Executive Committee Member Frank Somma (left) and National Executive Director Criag Butler of Cooley's Anemia Foundation accept a grant of $50,000 from Savoy Foundation President Joseph Sciame
St. Lazarus Mass and Charity Dinner 2023
AMERICAN DELEGATION OF SAVOY ORDERS SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL ST. LAZARUS MASS AND SAVOY FOUNDATION CHARITY DINNER, MARCH 1, 2023
On March 1, 2023, the Knights and Dames of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders of the Royal House of Savoy and their guests participated in the seventeenth annual St. Lazarus Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in New York City. H.R.H. Cav. Gr. Cr. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Honorary Delegate of the American Delegation, joined the American Delegation. The Mass commemorated the patron Saint of the Savoy Orders, the death of the late King of Italy, King Umberto II who died on March 18, 1983 and the 450th Anniversary of the Founding of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The Mass was followed by a convivial dinner at Il Gattopardo Restaurant where more than 45 members and guests enjoyed the festive evening, which raised funds for the charitable initiatives of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders. The Very Rev. Enrique Salvo, Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, hosted the Mass and attended the subsequent charity dinner at Il Gattopardo Restaurant.
SERATA DI SAVOIA CHARITY EVENT 2023
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SERATA DI SAVOIA CHARITY EVENT
jANUARY 7, 2023 - BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
The Savoy Foundation together with Board Member and Grand Patron Vivian Cardia hosted a charity gala dinner benefiting the Palm Beach Children's Hospital Music Therapy Program and JoeDiMaggio's Children's Hospital Capital Expansion Fund on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Stonebridge Country Club. Their Royal Highnesses Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia attended the event in support of the charitable initiatives of the Savoy Foundation and its Chivalry For Children's Causes mission. The event was under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maria Pia of Savoy. Savoy Foundation President Joseph Sciame, Richard L. Cosnotti, the Palm Beach Representative and Member of the National Council of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders with other board members attended the event. A contingent of members of the Canadian Delegation of Savoy Orders also supported the event.
Savoy History Series 2023, Palm Beach, Florida
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SAVOY HISTORY SERIES AT THE SOCIETY OF THE FOUR ARTS
JANUARY 6, 2023, PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Highlights of the Savoy History Series Presentation by HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia in Partnership with The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, Florida, January 6, 2023.
HRH Prince Dimitri was the guest lecturer at the Society of the Four Arts on January 6, 2023, with an encore presentation of the Savoy History Series lecture "The Power of Gems Across European Royal Courts: The Fascinating Reminiscences of HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia" based on his book "Once Upon A Diamond: A Family Tradition of Royal Jewels." It was a sold out event which was followed by a book signing. His cousin HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy also attended.
Inaugural Palm Beach County Verata di Savoia - Royal Savoy Ball
Benefiting Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Capital Expansion Fund Palm Beach Children's Hospital Music Therapy Program
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Past Events 2022
Ballo Di Savoia 2022
Savoy Foundation’s 25th Annual Royal Savoy Ball (Ballo di Savoia) raised funds for children's charities in New York City with the support of prominent business leaders and under the patronage of the Italian Royal family. H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy and H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia were guests of honor. The charity event also commemorated the 450th anniversary of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The winter charity gala benefited the Cooley's Anemia Foundation and A Chance In Life Inc.
NEW YORK FOUNDLING SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM FOR INNER-CITY FOSTER CARE CHILDREN
SAVOY FOUNDATION GRANTS $150,000 TO THE NEW YORK FOUNDLING SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM FOR INNER-CITY FOSTER CARE CHILDREN
On July 18, 2022, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders presented a record grant of $150,000 to The New York Foundling’s Summer Camp Program for foster care children from funds raised from the Foundation's 2021 Ballo di Savoia (Royal Savoy Ball) Winter Charity Gala. The benefit gala was held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in New York City at the Metropolitan Club.
Joseph Sciame, Savoy Foundation President and Carl J. Morelli, Foundation Chairman of the Board with Savoy Foundation Board members Frank J. Desiderio and John Laurent Gelati presented the grant to Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling and Kirkley Strand, Vice President of Development and Communications at The Foundling’s headquarters in New York City.
SAVOY FOUNDATION'S 2022 "NOTTE DI SAVOIA" GALA IN LOS ANGELES
SAVOY FOUNDATION'S 2022 "NOTTE DI SAVOIA" GALA IN LOS ANGELES RAISES $150,000 FOR CATERINA'S CLUB CHARITY SERVING HOMELESS CHILDREN
On August 18, 2022, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders presented a record grant of $150,000 to Caterina’s Club, a Southern California based charity aiding homeless children with meals and housing, from funds raised from the Foundation's 2022 "Notte di Savoia" Charity Gala in Los Angeles at the Jonathan Club. The benefit gala was held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Los Angeles at the Jonathan Club. For more information, please view the press release.
SAVOY FOUNDATION AND HEART OF NEIMAN MARCUS FOUNDATION GRANT
SAVOY FOUNDATION AND HEART OF NEIMAN MARCUS FOUNDATION GRANT TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
On May 17, The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation partnered with The American Foundation of Savoy Orders to support the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTW). We are proud to donate $34,000 to empower the next generation with equal access to educational opportunities and resources. This donation was made possible through the many generous donors who supported the fundraiser co-hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia at The Zodiac restaurant in the downtown
Dallas Neiman Marcus store. Built in 1922 as Dallas’ first African-American high school, BTW became the Arts Magnet High School in 1976, with a mission to teach a comprehensive curriculum in academics and the arts. Four departmental areas focus on music, dance, theater, and visual arts, while all students must complete the required courses mandated under Texas state education standards. This unique curriculum has made the school a center for excellence and an award-winning prototype for similar programs around the world.
SAVOY FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH HEART OF NEIMAN MARCUS FOUNDATION In Texas
SAVOY FOUNDATION AND HEART OF NEIMAN MARCUS FOUNDATION GRANT TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
SAVOY FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH HEART OF NEIMAN MARCUS FOUNDATION FOR TEXAS EVENT BENEFITING HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
American Delegation of Savoy Orders’ member Officer Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus Group with the Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, hosted a private dinner at the elegant Zodiac Restaurant in Neiman Marcus, Dallas. H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Knight Grand Cross of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy and also a member of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders, co-hosted the elegant dinner. The event benefitted Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. What originally began as an African American school in 1922 and became Arts Magnet in 1976 is the training ground for 21st century scholar artists and empathic leaders. This outstanding school ensures that every student can reach their highest potential through critical youth arts educational programming.
A contingent of Texas members of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders attended the special evening, including Regional Representatives of the Delegation, Dame Commander Dr. Catherine Stevenson of Houston, Texas and The Honorable Commander E. Wayne Bachus of Temple, Texas.
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders is partnering with the Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation to raise awareness and funds for BTW, and continue the legacy of support that has indelibly impacted BTW through an incredible variety of collaborative experiences, from priceless performance opportunities to program development, to artistic growth and professional access. Student musicians from the school performed at the event.
SAVOY FOUNDATION - May 17, 2022, Dallas, Texas - Private Fundraiser Dinner Benefiting Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Hosted by Geoffroy van Raemdonck and H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia together with American Foundation of Savoy Orders and The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation
St. LAZARUS BENEFIT DINNER - APRIL 27, 2022
SAVOY FOUNDATION AND HEART OF NEIMAN MARCUS FOUNDATION GRANT TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
Notte Di Savoia Los Angeles 2022
Past Events 2021
2021 savoy history series
Past Events 2020
Savoy History Series 2020
From The Archives
