A Non-Profit Organization. A Commitment Beyond Words
The mission of Esperienza is to celebrate and preserve Italian culture. Nice words, but our passion and commitment run far deeper. It all began when Anna Bonavita, our founder, read a New York Times article about the plight of many small towns and villages in Italy. All are special gems, but suffering from a devastating population loss due to changing times. With her own history and love of Italy, Anna decided to do something about it, beginning with the region she knew best. She had a vision of bringing visitors to Emilia Romagna. There, they’d take part in the local community, learn more about the language, culture and cuisine, and perhaps enjoy deeply immersive and transformative experiences.
Our Growing Impact
Through a coordinated effort with several towns in Emilia-Romagna, and with the help of a small team of passionate Italophiles, Anna has begun to fulfill her dream. In 2018, some fifty visitors took part in the first language and culinary immersion programs. By all measures, both programs were a resounding success, and provided a platform for continued growth.
Most importantly, Esperienza is having significant impact in Italy, bringing renewed optimism to Pennabilli and the entire surrounding region.
We are supporting biodiversity through Isabella dalla Ragione’s Archeologia Arborea Foundation.
We are helping to bring vitality to The World of Tonino Guerra Museum.
We are planting trees in the Regional park Sasso Simone e Simoncello to assure our tours are carbon neutral.
Esperienza also helped a number of independent chefs, farmers, artisans and small businesses in rural communities near Pennabilli.
For one interesting perspective, please watch the video below.
A special message from the mayor of Pennabilli, Mauro Giannini:
Support for Pennabilli During The COVID-19 Crisis
On Monday, April 13, 2020 Esperienza sent a total of $3,500 to two organizations helping to provide vital medical supplies and support for older residents who could not leave their homes.
See below for a letter of thanks from one of the organizations and click here to read a letter we received from the Mayor of Pennabilli.
Dear Friends,
We thank you very much for your transfer of € 1,566.00, just received in our bank account. Your help in such a critical emergency is very valuable. We are immediately going to use such precious money for medical needs, devices, and care for disadvantaged people of this area.
We know that covid-19 is spreading all over the world, even in your area. That's why your solidarity moves us a lot! Your closeness to our community makes you become special to us.
We hope to welcome you here again, and thank you in person, as soon as the emergency is over.
Take care,
Luigi Cappella
Tiziana Alessi
Associazione D'là de' Foss
Pennabilli
Unable to travel? You can still support Esperienza!
If you would like to support our mission, but are not able to travel with us, we invite you to make a donation. Esperienza is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Click the button below to make an online contribution.
“You have created something very important that the world needs to know about.”