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| Steve Tavares (center) a plans and operations specialist with U.S. Army Africa G-1, present san Easter basket to a pediatric patient at Padova University, in Padova, Italy, April 20. U.S. Army photo by Rich Bartell, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs. | |||
Esther's Grace, Stars Wars club team up for Easter basket giveaway at Padova University Hospital
25 April 2011 — By Rich Bartell, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
VICENZA, Italy – Members of Esther’s Grace (Chapter of the Organization of the Eastern Star) of Caserme Ederle Mason’s Zillah Lodge joined forces with the 501st Italica Star Wars group to bring smiles to the faces of children at the Padova, Italy University Hospital recently.
On April 20, walking and wheelchair-bound patients between the ages of nine and 11 were treated to a short Star Wars film and a skit performed by six local members of the 501st Italica Star Wars Garrison.
Afterward, small groups made up of the Italian version of Star Wars characters and six Esther Grace members gave Easter baskets, coloring books and other kid oriented gifts to children in the pediatric section of the hospital. Groups were escorted by hospital staff.
The 501st Italica Star Wars Garrison is part of a worldwide organization of Star Wars movies fans. The group is noted for attending community events sporting authentic Star Wars’ costumes. Esther’s Grace is a women’s auxiliary club connected to the Mason’s of Zillah Military Lodge on Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.
Both Esther’s Grace and the 501st are involved in local charitable events.
Antonella Russo, vice president of Esther’s Grace said Esther Grace has both Italian and American members.
“We are a nondenominational group that gets involved in charitable activities,” said Russo.
Russo, an Italian national, works on Caserma Ederle. She translated for the Americans during the Padova Hospital event.
Melissa Wakefield, an Esther’s Grace member, said her organization is growing and this was the first occasion to help kids beyond the confines of the post.
“We’re a service club that tries to give back to the community. Since I’ve been here, this is one of the first off-base events for the chapter,” Wakefield said.
Geanluca Losse, spokesman for the Veneto chapter of the 501st Italica Star Wars Garrison, said his group has a history of community involvement including previous performances on Caserma Ederle.
“Coming to the Padova Hospital is a good opportunity to bring a little joy to children here. We also like the chance to work with our friends from Caserma Ederle,” Losse said.
Jason Resto, an American who is a mason with the Zillah Military Lodge summed up the hospital visit. “It’s great seeing kids smile,” Resto said.
