AUBURN - Christopher Columbus was a pioneer, a man with a revolutionary idea that changed the way the world was viewed and helped shape history.

It is these kinds of ideals that the Italian Heritage Society sought to honor Sunday evening with its annual Christopher Columbus Recognition Dinner.

The award looks to recognize individuals in the community that have made a difference and have impacted the lives of those around them and have helped to make their world a better place.

Hundreds gathered at the Auburn Holiday Inn, including U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri and state Sen. Michael Nozzolio, along with Auburn Mayor Michael Quill and a host of others to pay tribute to four individuals that were recognized.

John Camardo, chairman of the Italian Heritage Society, said the recipients are chosen by a board of members of the society, who seek out honorees that represent the ideals of Columbus.

“This is a great night,” Camardo said. “We have a really great turnout. We have some outstanding honorees this year. They all represent the commitment of Columbus and what he stands for.”

This year's recipients included Joseph DeMaio, Maxine Alberici, Norman J. Chirco and Assemblyman Gary Finch.

DeMaio was born in Auburn after his parents immigrated to America. After a long career with Sylvania and serving as president and vice president of the local steel workers union, DeMaio has continued to be an active member of St. Francis Church, serving on the parish council.

He is also active in other community organizations such as the Quarter Century Club, serving as treasurer as well as an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteers with R.S.V.P., Hospice and the SCAT Van.

For this, he was recognized with the Humanitarian Award this year.

Alberici has also volunteered for numerous community organizations. After a long career teaching at Auburn High School, Alberici has stayed active serving on the Community Preservation Committee, as well as serving as chair of the Auburn Historical and Cultural State Commission.

She also serves on the board of Matthew House and along with her husband, Gino, she is co-chair of this year's United Way Campaign.

Chirco is a Port Byron native, who now calls Weedsport home. After obtaining his law degree, Chirco opened his own practice in 1989. Since establishing himself, Chirco has also taken the time to give of himself to his community, having served on the Red Cross Board of Directors.

Currently he is in his 15th year as a Weedsport school board member and in his third term as president. He also serves on the Weedsport Zoning Board of Appeals and is a member of the Weedsport Chamber of Commerce.

Finch has had a long and dedicated career of public service. He began his political career in 1979 as a village trustee in Aurora and he went on to serve as mayor for eight years.

Currently, Finch is minority whip to the minority conference focusing on agriculture, economic development and job creation.

Even with his busy political career, Finch has continued his community service with involvement in Leadership Cayuga, serving as United Way president and past campaign chair, as well as serving on boards such as Hospice and Big Brothers Big Sisters and serving as chairman of the board of trustees at Cayuga Community College.

Camardo reiterated that all the recipients are truly deserving and dedicated individuals who each in their own way embody the spirit of Columbus.

While it was a festive evening something was missing. Professor Joseph Camardo, who passed away in August, was a long-time chair of the event and was missed.

“He left some big shoes to fill,” Camardo, his son, said. “He was very dedicated to keeping this going and I never realized how much work he put into this and he is missed and we will keep this going into the future.”