The Fiorella Foundation, named after the D'Averna household's only daughter, Vittoria, was a private, family-hosted charitable event traditionally held on the eve of New Year's.
For generations, the D'Avernas had used the occasion to draw together the people within their wider social circle.
Other old families, business figures, longstanding family acquaintances, patrons, and people from the worlds of art, fashion and culture would make their way to whichever residence was hosting that year's gathering.
It was not a public gala, and the foundation itself was not some enormous organisation with offices scattered across Italy.
At its heart, it was a family effort, supported by the network the D'Avernas had built over generations.
The purpose, however, extended well beyond the family.
