 International Women's Day — Italian Style—By Kristin Butler Published: April, 2007 Cheryl Principato, co-owner of C'era Una Volta restaurant in Alameda, talks about the U.N. theme for IWD — "Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls." On March 8, women all over the world showed their solidarity by celebrating International Women's Day in diverse and creative ways. In Kenya, activists marched to protest female genital mutilation, while in Jamaica female diplomats networked over tea. In Brazil, Internet "bloggers" virtually discussed women's rights, while in Malaysia celebrants held a fashion show. And in Israel, mothers and daughters lit candles for their Palestinian sisters, while in Uganda refugees learned about their right to play sports. Since 1911, women all over the globe have recognized International Women's Day as an important tradition to celebrate their accomplishments, rally for change, and create community among the world's women. For years, the United Nations has highlighted the date with an annual theme. Yet, few Americans know anything about it. "You know, nobody in this country seems to know about International Women's Day," says Cheryl Principato, owner of C'era Una Volta restaurant in Alameda. "After my partner Rudy — who is from Italy — reminded me that the women's day was coming, I decided I was going to do something to change that." For three years, Principato has hosted an International Women's Day event at her restaurant. At this year's event — held early on March 4 — a small group of women gathered to listen to accordion music, eat hors d'oeuvres, and talk about this year's theme — "Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls." Part local fundraiser, part global consciousness-raiser, the event was an example of Principato's double mission to create community among her customers while connecting them to history, tradition, and the wider world. Originally from Milwaukee, Principato has degrees in social work and sociology and has always chosen jobs where she can help others ñ at halfway houses for schizophrenics, treatment centers for drug and alcohol abusers, shelters for domestic violence victims, and theater companies that introduce children to classic plays. Along the way, she has supplemented her income by taking jobs at restaurants, she says. In 1996, Principato moved to Alameda to be near her mother and started to look for her next opportunity to help people. Her father had worked in the restaurant business and she had often thought of opening up her own place, so when she met Rudy Duran — who also dreamed of owning a restaurant — the two decided to become partners and open C'era Una Volta on Park Street. They welcomed their first customers in 2004 and soon became known for their traditional Italian cuisine and their generous community-mindedness. "We as Americans don't always appreciate traditions," Principato says. So, she started monthly clubs for people interested in learning about the food, wine, and history of different regions in Italy. And through her restaurant, she has found ways to continue making an impact on the issues she has always believed are important. To support the arts, she has loaned the restaurant's high, yellow walls to more than 30 local artists, who show their artwork in rotating exhibits, and has brought in local and aspiring musicians to perform for her customers. She also donates food and money to support Alameda nonprofit organizations such as the Midway Homeless Shelter, the Boys and Girls Club, the Alameda Civic Light Opera, the Frank Bette Center for the Arts, and most recently, Girls Inc. of the Island City, which was the recipient of money she raised at her International Women's Day event. For information about the restaurant and its events, write to essenceofitalyalameda@yahoo.com or visit http://www.ceraunavolta.us Kristin Butler is a Bay Area freelance writer. She can be reached at (510) 290-5972 or kristindeann@earthlink.net. | ||
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