About Us

The Full Story

The idea for the Italian American Club (IAC) at Medley began one day in July 2024. Tony
La Rosa and Joe Romano, two old-school Italian guys who longed for the sense of community
they experienced growing up in New Jersey and New York, were gathered in the clubhouse
exchanging ideas about starting a club in Medley. Their initial hope was to bring together 20 to
25 families. Little did they know it would quickly grow to more than 100 families.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene helped define the core mission of the IAC: supporting
those in need within the local community. When Jolene, a single mother and clubhouse
employee, lost everything in the storm, IAC members came together donating household
goods, financial support, and essential supplies to help her rebuild her life.
This was only the beginning. Following Hurricane Helene, the IAC expanded its outreach to
assist families in San Antonio and the surrounding area. The club made a monetary donation to
Crews Lake Middle School’s Thanksgiving food drive and organized its first community-wide
food and clothing drive.
 

By November, Tony and Joe recognized the need for additional leadership and invited 

Donna Massoud, Mike Peranio and Larry Peters to join them, forming the IAC Board of Directors.
 

In April 2025, the IAC was formally established as a nonprofit social organization under
501(c)(7). Since then, the Italian American Club and the generous Medley residents it
represents has raised thousands of dollars for both local and national charities. These include
San Antonio Elementary School, Vets Feeding Vets, St. Anthony of Padua Food Pantry, Honor
Flight of West Central Florida, Blood Drives and Tunnel to Towers.

In addition to its charitable efforts, the IAC has become the largest and most active club in
Medley. In October 2025, over 160 community members joined the Oktoberfest Golf Cart Run,
the primary fundraiser to bring the Tunnel-To-Towers Mobile Museum to Medley. In January
2026, the club hosted its first annual dinner, featuring a formal buffet and outstanding “Italian”
entertainment. The 2nd Annual Grill and Chill Give-Back Party in February 2026 was another
tremendous success, welcoming more than 400 residents who have generously contributed their
time and resources in support of the IAC’s mission.
 

As the IAC continues to grow in 2026 and beyond, it remains committed to its founding purpose:
to provide a welcoming social environment that celebrates Italian-American heritage, fosters
fellowship among members and the community, and raises funds to support those in need
throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas.