EDINA, Minn. — An Edina woman is changing lives in Italy through connection and travel.
“This is not a busy square in a big Italian city,” said Esperienza founder Anna Bonavita. “This is where the heart of Italy beats. In places like these.”
It is that heartbeat that Bonavita wants to share and preserve.
“I have no doubt that a difference can be made,” she said.
Bonavita has made it its mission to preserve Italian culture – and boost the economy – through travel. She does this through her non-profit organization Esperienza, Italian for experience.
“We are hyper-focused on one region, Romagna,” she said.
Bonavita says rural Italy has suffered from depopulation for decades. Esperienza takes small groups to struggling Italian villages to help strengthen their economies, making meaningful connections to the local community, culture and cuisine along the way.
“That’s the idea. To make a difference. To bring new energy to rural Italy,” said Bonavita.
On a recent trip, travelers were moved by music. In particular, 16-year-old Adele Delvecchio, whose talent did not quite match her instrument. She played a $50 violin.
“I love this because it’s like therapy for me,” Delvechhio said.
Travelers were inspired and quickly came up with a plan. Esperienza raised $10,000 to commission a new violin. In line with Esperienza’s mission, the violin was made and donated by an Italian luthier in a nearby town.
“I like it so much,” Delvecchio said. “It’s like the best violin I’ve ever played. When I play it, I feel all the vibrations in my body and I love it so much.”
As Bonavita continues her mission, it gives her hope.
“Working on Esperienza gives me hope because even a small organization can make a difference in the lives of Adele and others,” she said.
If you can’t travel but still want to support Esperienza, click here.
