OSIA Foundation Donates $168,000 to CAF
November 9, 2009 – The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), has presented CAF with a generous donation of almost $168,000, raised under the leadership of Carol DiTrapani, OSIA’s Immediate Past National Chairperson for Cooley’s Anemia.
“We know these funds will help sustain the CAF on a daily basis,” writes OSIA National Executive Director/CEO Dr. Philip R. Piccigallo in a letter accompanying the donation. “You may look forward to and be assured of SIF/OSIA’s continued support for the urgent and noble cause we all hold dear to our hearts and share.”
“CAF is fortunate to be an official designated National Charity of SIF. The brothers and sisters of OSIA have been steadfast supporters of CAF for many years, and their contributions to CAF total more than $2 million,” stated Anthony J. Viola, CAF National President. Mr. Viola, along with CAF National Vice President Amy Celento and her son James, were present for the emotional announcement of the donation at OSIA’s recent national convention.
“We thank especially the many OSIA lodges throughout the country for holding a variety of fund raisers which also build awareness for this rare condition,” added. Ms. Celento. “These funds have been put to use in a number of extremely important research proposals which have advanced significantly our understanding of how to better treat and eventually cure thalassemia globally.”
“CAF has no better friends than the incredibly warm, generous and caring brothers and sisters of OSIA,” says Mr. Viola. “Without their support through the years, we would not be where we are today, and families affected by thalassemia would know despair rather than hope. We know that with OSIA on our side, we will achieve our goal: a cure for all those with thalassemia.”
OSIA is the largest and oldest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. To visit their website, click here.