Jerry Somma Palm Beach Gardens Fl
Jerry Somma helped launch the Feast of Little Italy 17 years ago. The festival now is marking its 16th incarnation. COURTESY PHOTO
Jerry Somma, owner of Via Productions and producer of the Feast of Little Italy, is counting down the hours until the festival is underway, Friday through Sunday, Nov 2-4, in downtown Abacoa in Jupiter.
Plans for the three-day street party include festival rides, games, entertainment, authentic Italian food, and free wine and cooking demonstrations.
It all started 17 years ago over a cup of coffee with a friend. They talked about having grown up in Brooklyn. N.Y, and how there were great neighborhoods and street festivals where different cultures congregated. Having noted the absence of an Italian festival where they were currently living, South Florida, they looked at each other and said, "let's do one," Mr. Somma said.
"Now we're about to have our 16th festival," he said.
The Feast of Little Italy, he said, is truly a family event.
"Look, with everything that's there — the food, the music, the art, cooking demos, wine seminars and games — everything is about family because for us, growing up as Italian Americans, everything is about family, community, and friends," Mr. Somma said.
"We average about 20,000 people over three days," he said. "It's grown every year and we're grateful for that. Come on out, let's break bread as a community, as one. Let's enjoy each other. One of the things I love about the festival is that we're three generations and that's rare today. Grandparents, parents and the grandkids doing something together."
Although he has never been to Italy, Mr. Somma plans a trip there next year. He says his great love of the country and its traditions came down through family, especially from his Italian-born grandfather. "I was blessed to grow up in the same house with him." Mr. Somma said.
His company, Via Productions, has grown to produce Italian festivals in in Tampa and Buffalo, N.Y., too.
"I love what I do," Mr. Somma, 50, said. The Tequesta resident said the event raises toys and money for Little Smiles, a local charity where Mr. Somma sits on the Board of Directors. "Last year we raised more than 6,000 toys and $35,000 for Little Smiles," he said.
He began his career as a funeral director in New York. That work was rewarding, he said, but after nine years he decided to move to Florida and open a chain of tobacco shops. Seventeen years ago, he sold the stores and founded Via Productions.
"I've run the gamut," he said in talking about the variety of work he has done. "There is a common thread, though," he said, "and it's customer service, the way I have always treated families — with respect."
Mr. Somma has produced and supported many events for not-for-profit organizations such as Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the Perry Cohen Foundation, Muriel Sitton Foundation, Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch, and Maltz Jupiter Theatre.
Mr. Somma says he likes being the behind-the-scenes guy. He has never wanted the spotlight because he is passionate about what he does and he loves his work and this community.
However, earlier this year, the spotlight came his way when he was honored by the Jupiter Police Department for his service to the community.
Jerry Somma
Age: 50
Where I grew up: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Where I live now: Tequesta
Education: Associate's degree in science from Farmingdale University in Long Island.
What brought me to Florida: Business.
My job today: Owner of Via Productions
My adult first job and what it taught me: Funeral director. I cherished, respected and honored the bond with the families. They were entrusting me at their darkest hour and I took that responsibility.
A career highlight: Seeing the Feast of Little Italy develop into a premier cultural family celebration. When I see three generations of family together at the feast, it gives me goose bumps. We live in such a fast-paced world, so to get to play a part in sharing old traditions and to create some new memories, well that's what it's about for me. Family is our foundation.
What I do when I'm not working: I have been told I am a workaholic, but to me, I love what I get to do, so I am blessed in that regard.
The spark or seminal moment that made me decide on my chosen field: My grandfather was the single greatest influence in my life. I was blessed to grow up in the same house with him. He had such a love for this country and what it allowed him to offer his family, yet his roots, his foundation, who he was, was never forgotten and always celebrated. He taught me the importance of what "breaking bread" with someone meant.
Best advice for someone looking to make it in my field: Work hard, respect and listen to the people. Stay humble and always, always smile.
My mentor: Bill Fagnano was my mentor and also one of my best friends. He was my partner until he retired a few years ago. I am proud to have cofounded the Feast with him. ¦
Source: https://palmbeach.floridaweekly.com/articles/meet-the-businessman-behind-the-feast/
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