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Valentina Patruno Crowded Miss Italia USA 2001
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The pride and joy of Italian-American womanhood graced the runway at the Miss Italia
USA pageant held on July 7 at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in downtown Chicago.
Sponsored by the Mola Foundation, the pageant gave 16 young ladies form across
the nation the chance to show off brains and beauty, while vying for a spot at
the Miss Italy in the World Pageant (Miss Italia Nel Mondo). |
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By night's end, Valentina Patruno from Florida was crowned this year's
Miss Italia USA, followed by first runner-up Tristina Amabile from New Jersey
and second runner-up Kourtney Domina from Illinois. Patruno will now
represent America on the international level at Miss Italia Nel Mondo
in Salsomaggiore, Italy, on Sept. 1. |
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"There's only one representative from America accepted into the (international)
Pageant," says Rene Caputo, chairperson of this year's Miss Italia USA pageant,
"and they had to win our pageant to get there." |
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Caputo was particularly proud of the high level of professionalism that was brought
to bear on this year's pageant, with a professional choreographer enhancing the
natural poise and grace of the contestants. |
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Sharing the spotlight with the contestants was French and Italian singer Stella Stratti,
who entertained the sold-out crowd with her melodious vocal stylings. Lisa Hunt,
a back-up singer for the group Zucaro, was also on hand to sing such empowering
songs as "I'm Every Woman" and "Natural Woman" as the contestants graced the stage
in swimsuits and formal wear. And the dance floor was packed with talent when
members of the world champion ballroom dancing team took center stage for a
show-stopping performance. |
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But not everything was tiaras and formalwear for the Miss Italia USA contestants.
During their weekend in the Windy City, they were treated to a trolley car tour
of the lakefront and a professional photo shoot that spanned such Chicago landmarks
as Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. And, most important, the
weekend offered the young ladies a chance to put competition aside and forge
lasting friendships. |
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"The girls really had the opportunity to make new friends and just have fun during
the weekend," says Caputo. |
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In keeping with the spirit of sisterhood at the pageant, the Mola Foundation
donated $10,000 of its proceeds to Nancy Amicangelo of the Chicago affiliate of
the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization. "We thought it was appropriate to
(make that donation) after a night that had everything to do with women,"
Caputo says. |
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As the glittering event recedes into happy memories, Caputo is left with a long
list of supporters and volunteers to acknowledge. "I would like to thank my
entire committee," says Caputo. "But I would also like to express gratitude
to the following people: our emcees Filipo Voltaggio and Ava Franchi,
contestant chairperson Carmela Buonsante, coordinator Rosella Mannino,
my assistant daughter Caterina, and Chauffeur Meo Valente. They helped
make this possible." |
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Article: "Fra Noi," August 2001, Vol 40, Issue 08, pg 67. |
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