Arrigoni 2020 Prize donated to the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo

The prize awarded by the Francesco Arrigoni Committee that brings together family, friends and colleagues of the well-known gastronomic journalist who died prematurely in 2011, will not go to a farmer, a winemaker or a restaurateur who has distinguished himself for the ethical value of his work.

Therefore, a new name and face will not be added to the winners in previous editions: Don Ciotti of Libera Terra , the fishermen of Lampedusa, the cheesemaker Guglielmo Locatelli, the refugees and asylum seekers of Maramao , the managers of the foundations Francesca Pecorari and Ernesto Pellegrini and the olive growers of Pratomagno. Or rather, many will be added: the faces and names of the doctors, nurses, operators and volunteers of the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, of all those who, daily, have faced the covid-19 emergency, putting professionalism and dedication to the service of the community.

« This year we stop, respecting the rules and, above all, respecting the suffering that affects everyone so deeply. However, we found the inspiring principles of the Prize: generosity, civil commitment and the mountains, understood not only as passion and courage, but also as a determination to overcome the difficulties to reach the goal » declares Antonella Colleoni, wife of Francesco and President of the Committee.

A decision that underlines the civil value of the services offered not only by the Bergamo hospital but by all Italian healthcare facilities, to remember, with Francesco Arrigoni, two other great men who recently left us: Gianni Mura, brilliant sports journalist, great friend of Francesco and member of the Committee, and Vittorio Fusari, chef from Franciacorta, tireless supporter of the prize.