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Lorenzo's Blue Shoes and Saving the Secret Garden

Support a village in Tuscany! Help preserve the ancient traditions of a small neighborhood in the village of Montalcino.

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Lorenzo's Blue Shoes and Saving the Secret Garden

Lorenzo's Blue Shoes and Saving the Secret Garden

Lorenzo's Blue Shoes and Saving the Secret Garden

Lorenzo's Blue Shoes and Saving the Secret Garden

Lorenzo's Blue Shoes and Saving the Secret Garden

Support a village in Tuscany! Help preserve the ancient traditions of a small neighborhood in the village of Montalcino.

Support a village in Tuscany! Help preserve the ancient traditions of a small neighborhood in the village of Montalcino.

Support a village in Tuscany! Help preserve the ancient traditions of a small neighborhood in the village of Montalcino.

Support a village in Tuscany! Help preserve the ancient traditions of a small neighborhood in the village of Montalcino.

Isabella Dusi
Isabella Dusi
Isabella Dusi
Isabella Dusi
2 Campaigns |
Montalcino, Italy
$27,933 USD 120 backers
166% of $16,800 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects

Ciao! We are a group of non-profit volunteers in Quartiere Pianello, a small neighborhood in the village of Montalcino, Tuscany. After the desolation of World War II our elders looked back to the 1400's and took up the challenge to preserve traditions and culture so that the identity of being 'Montalcinesi' would never be lost. We pass precious values down through the generations with all the strength we've got, nurturing children and young people, giving them a sense of belonging, self worth, dignity and value.

We purchased from the Curia, and for ten years we worked to restore our 1,000 year old crumbling medieval church. In a decade of unrelenting work, every cent we raised went towards restoring this jewel, and we got the job done. In those years of church fundraising, conditions in headquarters deteriorated, especially in our kitchen, to our gorgeous Renaissance costumes and to our 3 wheeler Ape. We need you to help get Quartiere Pianello back on track so we can continue fundraising, guiding our kids, creating a way of life for the future, and teaching them to preserve the past.

Our goal is to raise US$16,800. Budget details below.

Any funds raised above US$16,800 will go towards realizing a dream goal. We are battling to save a ruined Secret Garden from becoming a concrete car park. We are standing up and fighting against more concrete in our village, and as activists, we are saying NO to a dreaded plan. Say NO along with us, to concrete, become part of our team, an activist,  and donate for our perks. We'll beat a path to the Mayor's desk and stop this madness before it is too late. Another dream is to restore a 1659 Mannerist painting in our church. These two dreams are hopes and prayers, but with your help we can stop a magical garden becoming a concrete jungle! Say NO, along with us, become part of our team, an activist,  and donate for our perks so we can buy that darned garden and keep it green forever!

Budget:

Lorenzo's Blue Shoes & Renaissance Costume Repairs  - US$5,500.00

At festivals, members of Quartiere Pianello parade through the village in replicas of historic costumes of the 1400's. This is pretty Dame Martina and handsome Knight Silvano in costume in a historic parade. Little kids can't wait until they are old enough to wear Pianello colors but some of our costumes need crucial remedial needlework. At the last festival 8 year old Lorenzo paraded all weekend, plodding along in pointy blue shoes 5 sizes too big! It would be wonderful to have new costumes, but they are very expensive. We need to repair the costumes we have, which mean so much to us because we've all worn them! See Lorenzo in the video! We so need to buy Lorenzo a new pair of blue shoes!

Kitchen -  US$4,100.00

The kitchen is the pivotal heart of Quartiere Pianello around which all of our fundraising revolves. Many of our women, like nearly-90-Onelia in the photo, have been volunteer cooks all their lives, and our younger women are stepping into their shoes. Maria Teresa used to bring her school kids for cookery lessons, but our kitchen is dangerous and we cannot let the kids come any more. We need to renew the gas connection and pull out a Neanderthal stove. Without the kitchen, life in Quartiere Pianello will grind to a halt and future fundraising will be impossible. You can donate for our just printed Cook Book stuffed with more than 80 recipes from Tuscany, traditional and modern. You can even donate to have a Tuscan dinner party in your own home and, on proof of age, we'll bring the Brunello! How good is that?

An Exhausted Three Wheeler Ape & Banners - US$3,900.00

Our old 3 wheeler Ape refused to go any more, loaded down with trestle tables and benches to fundraising events. Francesco our President was in our Ape the day it died! We shed a few tears when our faithful little Ape was loaded onto a truck to go to the scrap heap in the sky! Last festival, without our Ape, teenagers carried dozens of street banners and a long ladder all over our neighborhood at midnight, raising the blue and white banners under which we battle for the honor of our Quartiere at archery tournaments, which is how we show the pride in our hearts for our neighborhood.Some of our street banners are looking pretty tatty. Can you help us buy a decent second-hand Ape and renew the worst of our banners?

Archery -  US$3,300.00


Outside the village walls, in a splendid Brunello vineyard, our archers train at Pianello private archery range. We long for a generator to light up the range, and the generator would have to be housed in a shed. Having the range lit at night will be an advantage to archers who shoulder the responsibility for Pianello at archery tournaments, like Samuele, second from bottom, who is about to defend our honor, shooting 40 arrows in half an hour. We'd like Samuele, Cosimo, Massimo and the others to be able to see the wild boar effigy on the practice range! Little Lorenzo with the big blue shoes is a junior archer! Look at the passion on his face! Donate for a generator and shed, and we offer you the chance to join our archers on our archery range.

Any funds raised above US$16,800.00 will go towards realizing Pianello dreams:

1st Dream - Saving the Secret Garden from Concrete - US$47,000.00

Imagine a tangled garden with loaded fruit trees, thistles climbing the wall, un-pruned olive trees and a barely distinguishable garden. A dreaded plan threatens to turn this garden into a concrete car park and we are fighting against that horrid plan because the Secret Garden is enclosed by a wall of our 1,000 year old Church of San Pietro, just restored. That's one wall of our church in the photo and you are peeping over part of the old stone wall. Your action and donation will mean we can save the garden! We'll build an archery range for little kids like Lorenzo - and the school kids could use our range. We'll hold dinners, weddings, pizza nights and grow our own herbs. Will you stand up, along with us, and say NO to more concrete and the loss of a mystical green garden? It will be a moral victory to be proud of. And we can plant and name part of the garden after you or host your private event in the Secret Garden for up to 30 people, with food and music.

2nd Dream Goal - Restoring Mannerist Painting by Buonfiglio  US$10,000

In the church of San Pietro, unless the sun shines on him, like the day we took this photo, it is hard to distinguish the figure of Saint Lawrence giving sight to a blind man because, since 1659, when Antonio Buonfiglio painted it, countless coats of varnish and hundreds of years of candle smoke and wax have rendered him all but invisible. Saving this precious work of art would be a true act of generosity. We have restored 3 magnificent art works in the church, and this is the last one! You can tell, as volunteers, we have long term plans and lots of work to do in our quartiere, our neighborhood, and village. Please join our Team!

Summary:

At Quartiere Pianello it's not only about asking for money, it's about bringing you into our unique way of life that was handed down from our ancestors, giving you something precious, giving back precious things to our community, and it's about raising your voice, being activated enough to fight against things that are wrong. The rewards are enormous! You can become an Honorary Member of Quartiere Pianello, visit if and when you can and be part of an enviable way of life, helping us preserve it for our children, our neighborhood and this glorious village in the hills of Tuscany.

Thanks for reading through to the end, email Isabella with any questions and please, don't forget to tell your friends, all over the world, and see photos of our perks below.

Quartiere Pianello Montalcino, Tuscany

Campaign Workers:

Francesco Ripaccioli - President

Lorenzo Faneschi - Vice President

Lisa Annicchiarico - Events Manager; Italy/Canada

Stefania Platini - Head of Kitchen

Isabella Dusi - Campaign Creator/Coordinator

 To contact Isabella: isabelladusi@tin.it

 Isabella's website: Vanilla Beans and Brodo

 

International Team:

Michele Becci - US Campaign Coordinator - Our Italian Table

National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) - Campaign Supporter

Pamela Haack - USA/Italy - Off The Beaten Strada

Karen Mills - USA/Florence -  An American in Italy

Saskia Peterzon - Netherlands Translator

Kate St. James  - Editor & Tour Leader Australia

Deb Keith - USA - Deb's Recipe a Day

 




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Choose your Perk

THE VALUE OF A HANDFUL OF $$$

$10 USD
•President Francesco and members will never be able to thank you enough! Grazie mille for your trust in us, every dollar is precious and we won't let you down! Stay in touch...and a hug!
14 claimed

YOUR OWN TUSCAN APRON

$25 USD
•For the cook in you! •Quality strong cotton Cooks Apron, Navy blue with ample ties and Pianello Insignia. •Great for the kitchen or barbeque, suits male and female. •See apron photo in Gallery •Includes pack and post worldwide
3 out of 25 of claimed

A SPECIAL PIANELLO T-SHIRT

$25 USD
•White T-shirt with blue front and back emblems of Quartiere Pianello. •Show that you care and become part of this little corner of Tuscany! •Everyone is going to ask you - 'What are you a member of?'!! •See T-shirt in photo Gallery •Includes pack and post worldwide.
1 out of 25 of claimed

CARDS PAINTED WITH LOVE

$35 USD
•Personal letter of heartfelt thanks from President Francesco •2 Watercolor Greeting Cards by Canadian artist Mary Spilsbury Ross to cherish, frame or send to a friend. See video. •Immediate Dispatch. Post included
4 out of 30 of claimed

A VERY COOL MEMBERSHIP SCARF

$35 USD
•Your chance to identify with a unique neighborhood in Tuscany. •Wear with pride the blue and white emblems under which we fight for the honor of Quartiere Pianello, and under which you are helping us to save the Secret Garden. •Wear over your shoulders, as a warrior like head band, threaded through your handbag strap or tied to your backpack. •See Scarf in photo Gallery. •Includes pack and post worldwide.
2 out of 25 of claimed

PIANELLO TUSCAN COOK BOOK

$70 USD
•1 first-ever Pianello Cook Book, Cucina Povera, Old & New; produced for this campaign in English by Quartiere cooks and International Italian cooks! •80 + recipes from Montalcino and the Modern Tuscan kitchen •Enhanced with color photographs + Bonus You get 1 Pianello Cook's Apron. See video. + Bonus FIRST 250 DONATORS - your book will be personally dedicated by President Francesco and by the Capo Cucina, head cook in Pianello. •Dispatch January 2013. Add US$20 pack and post
Estimated Shipping
January 2014
22 out of 390 of claimed

VANILLA BEANS & BEL VINO BOOKS

$75 USD
-2 internationally bestselling books by Quartiere Author Isabella Dusi. Life in a medieval village where you meet us as story characters and fall in love with enchanting Montalcino. See video. -All books signed and dedicated by Isabella + Bonus FIRST 100 DONATORS -Personal letter from Isabella with plot/name/storyline in advance of Book 3, an eBook publishing by Simon & Schuster early 2014! -Immediate Dispatch. Add US$25 pack and post
2 out of 250 of claimed

SPUTNIK IN PARADISE POSTER

$75 USD
•1 Limited Edition, numbered, signed by President poster (80cm x 60cm) of painting by 1600 Renaissance artist Ventura Salimbeni in our church, hailed as the Sputnik in Paradise. (unframed) See video. + Bonus FIRST 100 DONATORS •A special story of Unexplained UFO phenomena in Renaissance art •Immediate Dispatch. Add US$20 tube pack and post
2 out of 250 of claimed

PICTORIAL SAN PIETRO BOOK

$75 USD
•1 hardcover, sleeved, Book Rebirth of a Church - San Pietro. A decade of hard fundraising work restored our ancient church, 3 huge Renaissance works of art and an antique organ. •Abridged English translation and color photographs + Bonus FIRST 30 DONATORS •You receive an official Pianello T Shirt •Immediate Dispatch. Add US$25 pack and post
1 out of 60 of claimed

COOKBOOK, APRON & POSTER

$145 USD
•First ever Pianello Cookbook •Pianello Cooks Apron •Limited Edition Numbered Sputnik in Paradise Poster •Story of Unexplained UFO's in Renaissance Art •Post and Pack Included!
2 out of 50 of claimed

PIANELLO PERK

$165 USD
•First ever Pianello Cookbook •Pianello Cooks Apron •Pianello Member's Scarf •Limited Edition Numbered Sputnik in Paradise Poster •Story of Unexplained UFO's in Renaissance Art •Post and Pack all Included!
1 out of 50 of claimed

SAN PIETRO PERK

$165 USD
•First ever Pianello Cookbook •Pianello Cooks Apron •Pianello Member's Scarf •Pictorial Sleeved book: Rebirth of a Church - San Pietro •Abridged English translation •Post and Pack all Included!
0 out of 50 of claimed

KIT & CABOODLE + MORE PERKS

$390 USD
Everything from 3 to 6 including perks. +More Perks •2 Original hand sketches by Australian artist Barbara Horne capturing gorgeous Montalcino (unframed) •1 White Polo Shirt - long sleeved collared + Bonus FIRST 40 DONATORS •1 Pianello Sweatshirt - long sleeved fleecy lined zipped •Pianello Scarf under which we fight for our honor •Name recorded on Pianello plaque •Honorary Membership and Card •QP Members Only Facebook page •Dispatch as per 3 - 6 above. Add US$35 pack and post
1 out of 60 of claimed

A SPECIAL WINE TASTING

$1,500 USD
•Wine tasting to be held at your club, home or restaurant •Group (up to 50) or Private Party - •Personally guided wine tasting of famous wines from highly noted producers of Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino, arguably Italy's best red wine (Proof of age required). •Wines Included and Dates Flexible •Email Isabella for full details!
0 out of 4 of claimed

RENEW YOUR VOWS

$2,900 USD
•In 1,000 year old Church of San Pietro. Use next 24 months •12 guests, flowers, decorated pews, organist, celebrant, Vows Cake, Quartiere certificate •Buffet: focaccia, crostini, mini pizza, prosciutto, grissini, pasta, dessert •6 bottles Prosecco (on proof of age) •Names recorded on Pianello Plaque •Honorary Membership •QP Members Facebook •Extend package with accommodation or add more guests (Extensions not included) •Email Isabella.
0 out of 15 of claimed

BRUNELLO DINNER PARTY

$3,500 USD
•Book your Tuscan Dinner Party for 8. International Members Michele, Giuseppe from www.ouritaliantable.com and Caterer Deb from www.debsrecipeaday.com will cook a delicious 5 course genuine Tuscan dinner in your home or theirs. Use within 24 months. •Available Philadelphia New York Los Angeles San Francisco + bonus 3 bottles of splendid Brunello di Montalcino. (On proof of age) •Name recorded on Quartiere Pianello Plaque •Honorary Membership and numbered Card •QP Members Only Facebook page
1 out of 3 of claimed

DREAM TUSCAN HOLIDAY

$3,500 USD
•7 nights Montalcino Vineyard/apartment. Use next 24 months. •5 x Brunello di Montalcino (on proof of age) •Walk-n-talk with Author/Member Isabella Dusi •1.5 hr Wine Appreciation Class •2 hours at Archery range +Bonus FIRST 6 DONATORS •Gelato lesson and 1 klg gelato •Cooking Class/Lunch in Pianello •Name recorded on Pianello Plaque •Honorary Membership •QP Members Facebook (travel not included. 2+2 kids /4 adults - Package x 6 available)
1 out of 12 of claimed

YOUR WEDDING IN TUSCANY

$5,200 USD
•In 1,000 year old Church of San Pietro. Use next 24 months •30 guests, flowers, decorated pews, organist, priest/celebrant, wedding cake, bomboniere, Certificate. •3 Course Buffet with wine •Names on Pianello Plaque •Honorary Membership •QP Members Facebook +Bonus FIRST 5 DONATORS •2 costumed Pianello Pages at church doors •Extend package with accommodation, or add more guests (Extensions not included) •Email Isabella.
0 out of 10 of claimed

BIONDI-SANTI BRUNELLO DINNER

$5,500 USD
•A totally exclusive perk! Once only Tuscan Dinner Party for 10 cooked by Quartiere Members Michele,Giuseppe and Deb in your home - or theirs. CLICK NOW! Use within 24 months. •Available Philadelphia New York Los Angeles San Francisco + all bonus perks at 9 above + ONCE ONLY SUBLIME BONUS - the cooks will bring you 4 bottles of collector status Brunello from legendary wine maker Franco Biondi Santi. (on proof of age) •Vintages 1996*** 1997***** 1999**** and 2007***** - 7 bottles in total!
0 out of 1 of claimed

SAVE THE SECRET GARDEN

$5,500 USD
•Part of the Secret Garden saved from concrete will be planted and named after you. See video. •Pianello will host your private function for 30 guests with food and live music. Use within 24 months. •Name recorded on The Secret Garden Plaque •Honorary Membership and numbered Membership Cards •QP Members Only Facebook page •Extend package with accommodation, or add more guests •Extensions not included in perk •Available now. Email Isabella to co-ordinate your event
1 out of 10 of claimed
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