This Galentine's Day, Anthony Marini, chef and owner of The Pass and The Italian Boy after dark, celebrated the women who made his business what it is today. Marini hosted a very special dinner for 12 of his current and former female employees on Thursday, Feb. 13. In the spirit of supporting women in business and women in the Charleston community, he also made a donation to Women Empowered Charleston on behalf of his employees.
"You are only as good as the people around you," says Marini, "and, while not planned, I have been blessed with an incredible all-female team that has elevated this business to highs I never thought were possible. They taught me what 'Galentine's' was – a day to celebrate friendship – and since many of my employees are graduating or moving this year, I thought it was a great opportunity to show them my gratitude by throwing them a Galentine's dinner and donating to a charity of their choice."
Marini served a four-course dinner curated by Chefs Amanda Marshall and Maggie Ward, including some women's favorites like Tuna Crudo, Rigatoni Carbonara and Olive Oil Cake.
"Working at The Pass was more than just making sandwiches and taking drool-worthy mortadella photos; I witnessed the hard work, setbacks, and sheer determination that went into building this small business from scratch," says Rachel Carper, a former employee of Marini's who attended the Galentine's dinner. "My experience at The Pass and The Italian Boy after dark taught me more than I could ever expect to learn at a typical job. It gave me the confidence to chase my dreams and the courage to start my digital marketing business! Anthony's influence continues to be a huge part of my success, and I'm so proud to be a part of his next chapter. This Galentine's Dinner is just another example of Anthony's generosity and how much he values the people who have helped him build something great."
