Club Joins Other N.E. Ohio Italian American Clubs in Abruzzo Earthquake Fund
Solon Italian Club among 24 Northeast Ohio Italian American Organizations to Rally Support for Abruzzo Earthquake Victims
The Solon Italian Club set the pace in early April by raising $750 at the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Reverse Raffle Dinner Dance for victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked the Abruzzo Aquilano region of Italy. More recently, the Club joined 23 other organizations in a unified effort to channel donations directly to the area via the Abruzzo Earthquake Fund of Northeast Ohio.
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.
All donations are tax deductible and 100% of the money raised will go to the victims.
Peter D'Attoma of Da Vinci Custom Travel & Tours will be leading a tour of Italy on September 24 - October 7, 2009. There are 50 seats open for this trip which includes visits to Milan, Como Lake, Venice, Padova, Bologna, Florence, Cinqueterre, Il Chianti, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulicioano, Perugia and Rome. Cost for the trip, which is 14 days and 12 nights is $3,528 US. Those interested in purchasing a land only package will pay $2689. The discount will apply to the "Land Only" package, as well. If you have any questions about the tour, contact Peter directly at 330-633-2292 or via email at peter@davincicustomtravel.com.
Men of Italian ancestry are welcome to apply for membership. Annual dues for 2007-2008 are $60. Complete the membership form (below this article) and send it to: Solon Italian Club, P.O. Box 39602, Solon, Ohio 44139. You will be contacted by our current Secretary once your application is received!
The Regular Monthly Meetings for the Solon Italian Club are held on the last Wednesday of each Month at the Solon VFW Trophy Room at 8:00 pm. Check the Calendar Page for more information!
