HB Columbus Day Foundation Joins Relief Effort for Italian Earthquake Victims

On April 8, Council Member Tony Avella, Chair of the Italian American Caucus of the City Council, held a press conference on the steps of City Hall to call upon New Yorkers to assist with Italian Earthquake Relief Efforts.

“First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the countless number of victims of this unfortunate natural disaster. Early reports indicate that as many as 30,000 people may be homeless in the hardest hit city of L’Aquila, whose many structures date back to medieval times. At this point in time, the Italian people truly need our assistance in providing relief and I encourage all New Yorkers to help in the many relief efforts being undertaken by the many Italian American organizations that have gathered here today,” stated Council Member Tony Avella.

Joining the councilman were Council Member Vincent Gentile; Mario Faulisi, president of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation (HBCDF); the Grand Lodge of New York of the Order Sons of Italy (NYSOSIA); and a host of other Italian American Organizations including, the Order Sons of Italy in America; National Council of Columbia Associations and the Italian American Network on the steps of City Hall.

“We must really begin to work quickly to get these people the help they need,” said Mario Faulisi. “Our organization is counting on the support of the Howard Beach community and all other communities to help end the suffering of these disaster victims.” Faulisi says that although his Foundation is largely focused on youth and education, times like these mandate that everyone join together in order to help the best way they can.

According to Faulisi, the HBCDF is raising funds through solicitation and word of mouth but a more organized plan is in the works, so that a benefit of some type can be planned. “The most difficult thing is trying to put together an event in a hurry so that we can get the much needed relief to these people. We are committed to extending our hand to them and we ask that you each do whatever you can both monetarily and also by praying for the injured and the homeless.”

Donations can be mailed to: The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation 163-33 Crossbay Blvd. Howard Beach, New York, 11414

Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation President, Mario Faulisi (far left) joined Councilmember Tony Avella at City Hall for a press conference last week.