Celebrating 100 Years of Service

2009 Honorary Grand Marshals:
Members of the West Albany Italian Benevolent Society

The West Albany Italian Benevolent Society was founded in 1909 by a group of recently arrived Italians residing in the area along the Albany-Schenectady Road.

Like most immigrants, they arrived in the United States with very few possessions and many owed for their passage. They saw a need for financial assistance during illness; they recognized a moral obligation to assist their neighbors and they devoutly believed that all should have a decent Christian burial.

The Society, therefore, provided modest financial aid during illness, a small sum upon the death of a member for funeral expenses and charity for its members whose needs exceeded the normal aid.

Today, various benefits, insurance and institutions exist for the above purposes. That the Society still exists and is growing stronger is evidence that it has grown to be a Christian community organized to preserve a common heritage and the friendships that resulted from the efforts of a courageous group of Italians establishing a home in a New World.

Today the Society is still a nucleus for the gathering for friends and families for various activities. Along with meeting in the at the WAIBS headquarters at 50 Exchange Street in Albany, the WAIBS features dances and social events are held throughout the year.

The 18th Annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival is proud to have the WAIBS as the Grand Marshal's in 2009.

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