From Stage to Screen: Broadway Stages Powers “Marty Supreme” Filming at Historic NYC Landmark

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Broadway Stages takes pride in supporting our vibrant local communities. Our Filming Location Spotlight series highlights local shops, restaurants, landmarks, and venues where productions that call Broadway Stages home have filmed "on location." We encourage our readers to explore and support these unique spots and join the film and television industry in helping sustain our neighborhoods' economies and culture! In this edition, we follow the crew of the upcoming Timothée Chalamet film “Marty Supreme” to the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

The upcoming film "Marty Supreme” is inspired by the life of professional table tennis player Marty Reisman. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the film aims to highlight the unique culture and challenges surrounding the sport of ping pong. ​The filmmakers needed authentic locations that fit the film's visual and emotional needs. With this in mind, Broadway Stages was happy to see that they chose the Columbus Citizens Foundation (CCF), among their on-location filming venues.

Headquartered on East 69th Street, the CCF exudes old-world charm with its stately façade featuring ornate details, marble accents, and large, arched windows typical of the Beaux-Arts architectural style popular in the early 20th century. However, the CCF is much more than this. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Italian-American heritage and culture through educational programs, charitable initiatives, and community events.

Inside the Columbus Citizens Foundation: A Landmark of Italian-American Heritage

Before its official founding in 1944, the Columbus Citizens Foundation existed as an informal group of Italian-American leaders in New York City dedicated to improving the image and standing of Italian Americans. The group helped organize the first Columbus Day Parade in 1929 and was instrumental in advocating for Columbus Day to become a national holiday, which was achieved in 1937. 

This led Judge S. Samuel Di Falco and Generoso Pope to formalize the group and officially establish the Columbus Citizens Committee in 1944. In 1982, it was renamed the Columbus Citizens Foundation. In 1967, it acquired its permanent headquarters at 8 East 69th Street.

Promoting Italian-American Culture: The Mission of the Columbus Citizens Foundation

The Foundation's mission is to foster appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement through philanthropic and cultural activities while providing opportunities for advancement to Italian-American students via scholarships and grants. The core objective of the Foundation is to preserve and promote Italian-American culture, traditions, and values.  It also aims to honor the legacy of Italian immigrants and their contributions to the United States. A key aspect of its mission is to support educational advancement for Italian-American students through scholarships and grants.

$40 Million in Scholarships: How the CCF Supports Italian-American Students

In addition to its multiple philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, it awards scholarships. Since 1984, the Columbus Citizens Foundation has awarded nearly $40 million in scholarships to students of Italian heritage who have demonstrated academic success and community involvement.

The Foundation offers various types of scholarships, including :

  • High School Scholarships: Financial aid awarded to academically talented Italian-American students attending private high schools.

  • College Scholarships: Support for Italian-American students pursuing undergraduate degrees at accredited colleges and universities.

  • Medical School Scholarships: Funding for students of Italian descent entering or enrolled in medical school.

  • Study Abroad Scholarships: Assistance for students looking to study in Italy, fostering a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.

  • First Responders Scholarship: Scholarships for children of Italian-American first responders, supporting families who serve their communities.

Cultural Celebrations and Scholarships: What the CCF Offers Its Community

The CCF also promotes classical and contemporary Italian culture, such as musical events featuring Italian and Italian-American artists. In addition, it often hosts educational events highlighting Italian-American history, literature, and prominent figures. But, by far, Columbus Celebration Weekend is the most festive (and busiest) time of the year. The agenda includes: 

  • Annual Gala: A prestigious evening featuring a silent auction, raffle, music, dancing, and fine dining.

  • Wreath Laying Ceremony: Held at Columbus Circle to honor the legacy of Christopher Columbus.

  • Columbus Day Mass: Conducted at St. Patrick's Cathedral, celebrating Italian-American heritage.

And, of course, it puts on the Annual Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. The Parade is the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage in the world. Featuring over 100 groups, including bands, floats, and Italian cultural organizations, the Parade draws nearly one million spectators and showcases Italian-American pride, history, and contributions to society. Among notable past Grand Marshals of the Parade are:

Membership in the Columbus Citizens Foundation

The Foundation consists of more than 600 members. Membership is by invitation only and requires sponsorship from two current members. The membership list boasts prominent individuals of Italian heritage from diverse fields such as law, medicine, government, business, education, and the arts. We are proud to say that Broadway Stages' President and CEO, Gina Argento, is a member and supporter of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. 

Meet the CCF Auxiliaries: Volunteers Powering Cultural and Charitable Events

You can support the Columbus Citizens Foundation (CCF) by becoming a member, making a tax-deductible donation, or sponsoring scholarships and events. Additionally, you can volunteer your time through auxiliary groups like the Ladies Auxiliary or Young Adults Auxiliary to help advance the Foundation's mission.

The Ladies Auxiliary is dedicated to supporting the Foundation's mission and activities. The Young Adults Auxiliary (YAA) is composed of young professionals, typically in their 20s and 30s, committed to supporting the CCF. Some of the ways they serve the CCF are:

  • Organizing and participating in fundraising events.

  • Assisting with cultural and social programs, including galas and celebrations.

  • Volunteering at Foundation events and helping with community outreach.

  • Engaging in charitable efforts to support Italian-American causes.

  • Acting as ambassadors for the Foundation's mission

You can support the CCF by attending their events, volunteering with the auxiliaries, or donating. Also, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be included in the latest news.

Why Local Institutions Like CCF Are Crucial to Authentic NYC Filming

Institutions like the Columbus Citizens Foundation are part of New York's magic, adding authentic character to the city's cultural landscape and making them ideal filming locations. By partnering with independent restaurants, bars, shops, organizations, and businesses across the city, the film and TV industry can enhance the authenticity of its productions and contribute to the success of these businesses that make New York special. Whether it's a pivotal scene in a television show or a quiet moment in a feature film, these locations offer a unique sense of the city we love.

At Broadway Stages, we are committed to supporting the businesses and organizations that make New York City's neighborhoods thrive. If you are of Italian heritage, consider a membership at the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Regardless, be sure to plan a visit to your local theater this December to see Timothée Chalamet in “Marty Supreme”!

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With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

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