By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Since 1989, Montville UNICO has contributed over $2 million to those in need. Giving financial support for terminally ill children, relief funds for families affected by the World Trade Center disaster, and holiday donations for needy families, are examples UNICO has supported over the years. UNICO is also the largest Italian American service organization in the United States and has recently celebrated 100-years of “Service Above Self” (1922 to 2022). 

Joan Bunda, of Towaco, joined the Montville chapter five years ago. She and a girlfriend who shared Italian culture figured “why not?” Their kids were in high school, and they decided to dedicate their time to something that was of interest to them. Bunda is Chair of Membership Committee. 

“We unite our Italian heritage. Being proud Italian Americans, we come together as a group to have fundraisers and support local community,” Bunda said. During meetings, members pitch opportunities of how to help people in the community. “Any individual we hear about, we donate to their plight,” she added. “Just knowing we’re helping people motivates us.” 

During meetings, members discuss business, but they also learn about Italian heritage and share their stories. “It’s really good comradery,” said Bunda.

With any organization there will always be challenges. Bunda said that funds were low during the pandemic, but not things are getting better. They just keep looking for more opportunities to help others. 

UNICO meetings take once a month at The Columbia Inn, 29 Route 202 (Main Road), Montville. But Bunda pointed out that the chapter is not just for people in Montville. “Anybody can join,” she encouraged. Currently there are 42 members. “We’d like to increase the number,” Bunda said. “That’s my main goal.” 

Volunteering for UNICO has so many rewards, but what Bunda particularly cherishes are inspiring “thank you” letters. For example, UNICO granted a student with a $2500 scholarship when he graduated high school, and he thanked the organization with an inspiring testimonial essay which is on their website. 

Volunteers for UNICO can help in areas in which they do best. “One woman is a phenomenal decorator,” Bunda shared. “Me, I collect the money, arrange table settings, make up guest lists…Another may be a lawyer donating his services. We have an accountant who does the books. Any strength gives one hundred percent to our organization. It flows so smoothly it is unbelievable.” 

Bunda explained that at one time members had to be part-Italian, but now anybody can join if they have an interest in Italian culture. And while meetings happen once a month, it is not mandatory that members have to be there each month. 

The next UNICO event will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, their Annual Kentucky Derby Dinner Dance, held at Hanover Manor, East Hanover. The celebration will have a DJ and a singer. “Some women wear big hats like they do at the Kentucky Derby,” Bunda said. “Contact us if you’d like to go.” 

Montville UNICO Foundation is a 501c3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible. For more information, visit: www.montvilleunicofoundation.org/