Although the Tuscan-American Association is not an organization which offers social events as a principal part of its activities, it has provided many occasions for members and friends to join together and enjoy a gala event or a simple excursion in one another’s company – from Thanksgiving festivities to Christmas galas, from receptions at the American Consulate on President’s Day and other important dates to the annual festivities on Independence Day. The purpose of these social activities is in large part to assist the Association in raising funds for special projects, such as the Maggiolata gala held at the Badia Fiesolana for the restoration of Raffaellino del Gardo’s “Annunciation”, or the evening dedicated to raising funds to help restore the stained glass window at St. James Church, or the gala dinner for Santa Lucia when contributions for Telefono Azzurro were collected. Others, such as the celebrations on the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, are an occasion to offer “a taste of America” to a wider public, including local authorities, as well as friends and members.