 News of the tragic earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy on April 6, 2009 shocked, saddened and alarmed Italian-Americans throughout Northeast Ohio. Some have friends and family directly impacted by the disaster – others have lost loved ones in its wake. Many felt an anxious urgency to rally to aid those in need in Italy.
Rising to the occasion and responding to the call are the leaders of Northeast Ohio’s various Italian-American clubs and organizations. Representatives of 24 organizations began meeting in early May to explore ways that funds could be raised and resources could be combined to channel significant support to the stricken Abruzzo region.
The result of these meetings and the efforts of the leaders of these organizations is the formation of the Abruzzo Earthquake Fund of Northeast Ohio.
In the coming weeks and months, these Italian-American groups will work together, selling “Abruzzo Earthquake Fund of NEO” wristbands, tee shirts, magnets and raffle tickets to generate funds to channel to the victims of the Abruzzo disaster. In addition, it has been determined that fund-raising events will be held on Cleveland’s west side, east side and Akron area as joint ventures by Italian-American clubs headquartered in those geographies. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise and events will be earmarked for distribution directly to the stricken areas of Abruzzo.
Booths will be cooperatively manned by members of the various participating clubs at a variety of Italian festivals over the next few months including: 9th Annual Italian American Summer Festival at the Berea Fairgrounds (June 5-7), Italian-American Brotherhood Italian Festival in Bedford, Ohio (June 19-21) and the Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce (Wickliffe I&A) – (August 28-30).
Challenging times sometimes have a way of bringing people together in a united effort to contribute and survive. The events in Abruzzo have not only prompted the people of that region to band together to rise above the destruction and turmoil, it has indeed driven independent groups of Italian-Americans in Northeast Ohio to unify and work as one.
Joining forces in Northeast Ohio are members of the following Italian-American organizations:
Americans of Italian Heritage
Ashtabula Sons of Italy
Associazione Culturale Italiana "Le Radici"
Associazione Nazionale Combattenti e Reduci Italiani
Circolo Italo-Americano Corenese ( CIAC)
Cleveland Lodge – Sons of Italy
Council of Italian American Societies of Summit County
Forli Del Sannio Social Club
Grand Lodge of Ohio, Order Sons of Italy in America
Hillcrest Lodge ISDA
Home Family Club
I Molisani
Il Cenacolo Italiano di Cleveland
Italian American Brotherhood Club
Loggia Baranello
Northern Ohio Italian American Foundation
Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America
Rionero Sannitico Recreational Club
Solon Italian Club
Southwest Italian American Club
Unione Fratellanza Oratinese
Wickliffe Italian American Club
Every effort has been made to contact all Italian American clubs in the area. If your club is not listed and you would like to participate or want additional information, please contact the leadership of any of these clubs or call Tom Frisina at 216-347-2186 or email tom.frisina@docclarity.com.
DONATIONS CAN BE MAILED TO:
ABRUZZO EARTHQUAKE FUND OF N.E.O.
P.O. BOX 0291
WILLOUGHBY, OH 44096
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