The Sons of Italy Foundation^® (SIF), which is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America^® (OSDIA), presented $100,000 in Central Italy earthquake relief to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation for the rebuilding of a kindergarten and elementary school in Muccia, a town located in the Marche region of Italy.

The presentation took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park in New York City by SIF President Joseph J. DiTrapani, OSDIA National First Vice President Nancy DiFiore Quinn, and OSDIA National Treasurer Thomas Lupo. There to accept the donation was Maestro Andrea Bocelli and his wife, Veronica. The school in Muccia was one of many destructions caused by the earthquake that struck Central Italy on August 24, 2016. The earthquake killed nearly 300 people, and left thousands without access to basic necessities. The Marche region was the hardest hit region, with the Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo regions also being affected.

“OSDIA members responded immediately,” said SIF President DiTrapani. “Donations began pouring in, it was such an impressive sight of support. And we feel that this is the right project to put those donations toward—a project that our members will be proud of. One that supports children and education.”

The Italian Embassy in the United States helped facilitate the connection between the Sons of Italy Foundation and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, who is spearheading the project to rebuild the school in Muccia, where 95% of the homes are still unfit for use. The project, which broke ground in September, will cost €1.5 million and is expected to be completed by June 2019.

“We are greatly indebted to the Italian Embassy in the United States for putting us in touch with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation,” said OSDIA President Vera Ferrara Girolami. “We look forward to a continued partnership in the future.”

The Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) was established in 1905 and is the oldest and largest organization for individuals of Italian heritage in the United States. The Sons of Italy Foundation was established as OSDIA’s philanthropic arm in 1959 and has contributed more than $165 million to scholarships, medical research, cultural preservation, disaster relief, and other projects. This includes $235,000 to the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake; $3 million to the 1980 Irpinia earthquake; $217,000 to the 1976 Friuli earthquake; and $127,000 to the 1968 Sicily earthquake.

If you would like to donate to the Sons of Italy Foundation, and assist with disaster relief, please consider donating now.

DONATE ONLINE NOW: https://www.osia.org/donate-sif/ Make your contribution to the SIF fund called “Disaster Relief.” (Donations made online will be acknowledged by email.)

DONATE BY MAIL OR PHONE: Make checks payable to Sons of Italy Foundation, earmarked Earthquake Relief. Send donation and this form to: The Sons of Italy Foundation. Attn: Earthquake Relief. 219 E Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002

You may also donate by credit card by phone: The Sons of Italy Foundation. Phone: 202-547-2900