BRESCIA NEXT — A NEW BRIDGE BETWEEN BRESCIA AND BEIRUT
PART I
PART I
AN UNFORGETTABLE WELCOME IN BRESCIA
Rotary Club Brescia Next | September 21, 2026
Some Rotary encounters go far beyond an official meeting. They become moments of friendship, discovery, gratitude and genuine human connection.
My first evening with Rotary Club Brescia Next was one of those unforgettable moments.
After travelling almost 18 hours to reach Brescia, I was received with extraordinary warmth by President Federico Ghidini, Cristina Rodondi, Past District Rotary Foundation Chair of District 2050, my dear friend Amal Baghdadi Zannino, Board Member of Rotary Club Brescia Next, and the wonderful Rotarian friends and distinguished guests gathered for this very special evening.
The reception and dinner took place at the magnificent Villa Fenaroli Palace Hotel, an extraordinary historic residence whose beauty, heritage and atmosphere gave even greater meaning to our encounter.
From the moment I arrived, everything reflected elegance, refinement and extraordinary hospitality.
The evening began with an elegant aperitivo — a precious opportunity to meet the members of the club, exchange thoughts, get to know one another and experience from the very first moments the warmth of true Rotary fellowship.
It was followed by an exceptional dinner, remarkable for its finesse and attention to detail.
The beauty of the historic setting, the tables, the cuisine, the impeccable service, the protocol, the atmosphere and, above all, the warmth with which every guest was welcomed made the evening truly memorable.
Nothing seemed left to chance.
Every detail reflected generosity, respect, elegance and the sincere desire to make everyone feel welcome.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the exchange of Rotary banners between Rotary Club Brescia Next and Rotary Club Beirut Cosmopolitan.
A simple gesture, perhaps, but one filled with symbolism.
A Rotary banner carries the history and identity of a club. Exchanging it means opening a door to friendship, fellowship and future collaboration.
For me, this exchange represented something even deeper: the beginning of a new bridge between Brescia and Beirut.
I had travelled to Brescia first and foremost to say thank you — personally and sincerely — for the support extended to Gift of Life Lebanon, helping children suffering from congenital heart disease receive life-saving cardiac surgery.
But that evening became much more than an expression of gratitude.
It became an encounter.
A connection.
And, I sincerely hope, the beginning of a lasting Rotary friendship.
My deepest gratitude to President Federico Ghidini, Cristina Rodondi, Amal Baghdadi Zannino, and all the members and friends of Rotary Club Brescia Next for an evening of such distinction, warmth and generosity.
There are receptions one attends — and there are receptions one carries in the heart.
This was certainly one of them.
