One of the great things about Richmond festivals is that many happen in order to make a difference and benefit some of the great organizations, causes and people in our city.

Sure, everyone enjoys the chance to party simply for the sake of partying, but if you know anything about the patience, time and energy it takes to host of these things, you know it's done for a reason.

Labeling itself "the festival with a heart," the first ever St. Joseph's Italian Festival will be held this weekend from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 5 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 6 on Buford Road.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church is partnering with the Giuseppe Verdi Lodge of the "Order Sons of Italy in America" for the event and hopes to bring more than just delicious Italian food to table.

"So many festival just guarantee you a good time, but the purpose of this festival is to offer number one, the Italian culture but most importantly, there are seven big charities that are involved," said Stella Capocelli, President of Tour Plan International, Ltd.

"It's a festival for fun, of course, but it's most importantly to give, we're giving of culture, we're giving of monies, we're giving to these different organizations."

Besides St. Joseph's Church itself, the other organizations that will be present with a booth and information about their mission and purpose will be Prevent Child Abuse of Virginia, Susan B. Koman Race to cure Breast Cancer Foundation, the Alzheimer's Foundation, Cooley's Anemia Foundation, Special Olympics, Saint Jude Children's Hospital and the Comboni Missionary Sisters.

Percentages from the festivals profits will be divided among each organization.

"This is really the brainchild of Nick Maiolo, who is a member of the Sons of Italy and the main organizer for the event, and he is very true to his culture and a very benevolent person," Capocelli said.

"St. Joseph's Church is something that became very important to him because it needs some serious renovation and truly, if any credit needs to be given, it needs to go to that man because he is incredible."

Because this is a Richmond event, you can absolutely expect all the fun that comes with other festivals. There's nothing better about the Italian culture than the food, and you'll have plenty of that from local vendors including Fiorucci Foods.

Get up and show off your own knowledge of the Italian language with Italian karaoke, or save your own voice and enjoy the musical styling of tenor Anthony Torchia, soprano Debby Evans and baritone Tony Reno.

As always, bring your children for a day of bocce ball, other games, crafts and a closer look at the Sicilian cart. Patrons can purchase raffle tickets at the festival for cash prizes, including the chance to win the first prize of $1,000.

With several other churches located around St. Joseph's, parking will be available in a few of those lots, with shuttles running back and forth to St. Joseph's ground, where the festival will be held.

w The first ever St. Joseph's Italian Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 5 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at 828 Buford Road. Admission is a $2 donation and raffle tickets can be purchased at the festival. For more information, visit sjfestival.com.