Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro announces Italian earthquake disaster relief fund reaching halfway mark
Appeals to Islanders to “open hearts and wallets” to help meet $100,000 goal
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today announced that the Italian Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund is nearing the halfway mark of its $100,000 goal, and he renewed his appeal for Islanders to help the survivors of this month’s deadly earthquake in the medieval hill town of L’Aquila.
“I am very pleased to announce that in the two weeks since we established the fund, we are already reaching the $50,000 halfway mark,” said Molinaro. “We are aiming for $100,000 and I am once again asking Staten Islanders to open their hearts and wallets in this time of need.
“This was Italy’s deadliest quake in nearly three decades, and people need to realize the extent of the damage and suffering,” Molinaro added. “Three hundred people were killed and thousands of others have been left homeless and living in tent camps and rough shelters.
“Our Congressional District has more Italian-Americans than any other, so I feel it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to help,” Molinaro continued. “I know these are difficult times, but every little bit helps, and Islanders are coming to Borough Hall to personally drop off checks or are mailing them in amounts of $25 and $50, some with particularly heartfelt messages.
“One lady attached a note to her check with the message, ‘For the victims of the Italian earthquake in L’Aquila, in memory of my grandparents,’” said Molinaro. “Another couple sent their check in a ‘Thinking of You’ greeting card that read, ‘To the earthquake victims, thinking of you and praying that God will bless you and keep you in His care.’”
To help meet the $100,000 goal amount, Molinaro said the nonprofit Richmond County Savings Foundation and the Staten Island Foundation will each match up to $10,000 in donations, while Northfield Bank Foundation will match up to $5,000.
Those wishing to send a donation to the relief effort should make the check payable to the “NY Grand Lodge Foundation” (of the Order Sons of Italy in America), earmarked “Italian Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.” Checks should be mailed to the Borough President’s Office, Room 120, 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, New York 10301.
April 22, 2009