The Donio family of New Jersey has received the same national honor that Frank Sinatra, Tommy Lasorda and Tony Bennett have accepted.
The late Frank G. Donio was president and owner of Hammonton, N.J.-based Frank Donio Inc. before retiring in 2000. His sons Jim and John were also owners of the grower-shipper-wholesaler at one time. The family accepted a humanitarian award May 23 at the Sons of Italy Foundation’s National Education and Leadership Awards Gala near Washington D.C., according to a news release.
“The Donio family has a long record of philanthropy and volunteerism; we are proud to present them with the 2019 National Humanitarian Award,” Joseph DiTrapani, chief operating officer of the National Sons of Italy Foundation, said in the release.
Named recipients include: the late Frank G. Donio, Angela L. Donio, Father Frank S. Donio, John S. Donio and James M. Donio.
Joe Mantegna, a Tony and Emmy award-winning actor, who is starring in the CBS TV series Criminal Minds, served as the master of ceremonies. The gala has raised more than $33 million for charities over the years, according to the release. Past honorees and attendees include former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, actor Gary Sinise, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and racing legend Mario Andretti.
Until his death in 2011, Frank Donio supported religious and educational organizations, while his wife, Angela, is an advocate for revitalization and conservation. Their children have continued this tradition.
The National Humanitarian Award has been given to 18 other people in the past 30 years.
