From the Vatican to the Spa City

The program was established as a way to support local non-profit organizations in the Saratoga area by donating 30 percent of guests' checks on the 12th day of each month to a designated organization.

The program started shortly after Chianti moved from its original spot on Broadway to its new home at 18 Division Street, where owner David Zecchini found a spot in his restaurant to showcase an important family heirloom: a bronze panel from the Vatican.

In 1949, the Vatican commissioned famous Italian bronze sculptor Vico Consorti to create the 16 Lessons of Christ as 16 individual bronze panels to be placed on the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. After the panels were created and bronzed, Pope Pius XII realized that the 12th panel was incorrect. The panel depicted the 12th lesson of Christ, "forgiveness;" the bible states Jesus looked to the good thief at his right. In the panel however, Consorti had Jesus looking to his left, thus forgiving the bad thief. Consorti recreated the panel in its proper form and the pope ordered that the panel be destroyed. Beforehand, Consorti made three copies of the mistake. In time, one of the panels was placed in the Vatican Museum, one was given to Consorti's family and the last reproduction of the mistaken panel was obtained by the Zecchini Family in Italy and passed down to son David who placed it at his Chianti Il Ristorante.

"When I got this panel from my family, I knew I had to do something special with it," Zecchini said. "A fine work of art should be for the public to see, not sitting in a safe hidden away. I'm fortunate to have this piece and I'm glad to share it with the customers, especially if it helps to give back to the community."

Zecchini began the Twelve program as a way to raise awareness of grassroots organizations and non-profits.

"We wanted to do something special. Instead of giving a gift certificate to an organization, we felt we should make our guests a part of the program also," Zecchini said.

On the 12th day of the month, the non-profit organization is featured  and each server tells his or her tables about the program that Chianti is sponsoring. The customers can then decide whether or not they would like to participate.

"The reception has been unbelievable. The program has raised more than $18,000 over the last year that was directly donated to local non-profits," said Director of Operations Nancy Bambara. "It was very important to us that the organizations who benefit from Twelve are locally owned and operated. They are the organizations that need the most help. David is committed to making this piece of fine art available for the public, and simultaneously serving the community that he loves through the monthly non-profit support program."

Just having the panel has added a special touch for Chianti.

"It has created a buzz and there are two different types of reactions," Zecchini said. "There are the older people who are religious and actually get chills when they see this work of art, and there are younger people who may be interested in art and are just in awe of this unique piece."

To suggest a non-profit, contact Nancy Bambara at (518) 580-0025.