FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Lynda Simonetti | NIAF Director of Projects
202-939-3104 (o) /  lsimonetti@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 28, 2023) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has raised $75,000 for Emilia-Romagna, as a result of the Italian Relief Fund efforts launched in May, to aid the people affected by the devastating historic flooding in the northeastern region of Italy.  NIAF presented two separate checks to the Protezione Civile of Emilia-Romagna, the official civil protection agency responsible for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts and to Coldiretti, Italy’s largest national agricultural association.

The first check was presented on June 13, during the NIAF Board of Directors Mission in Italy, where they travelled to Emilia-Romagna, NIAF’s 2023 Region of Honor (a program that partners with one of Italy’s 20 regions every year to showcase its history, culture, business, and tourism in the United States) and met with the President of the Region, Stefano Bonaccini.  While discussing the ongoing flood recovery efforts, the NIAF Chairman, Bob Carlucci and President, Robert Allegrini, presented Bonaccini with a donation of $25,000 for the Protezione Civile Emilia-Romagna, which was raised by NIAF members and supporters.

(Pictured left to right – Region of Emilia-Romagna: Andrea Corsini, Tourism Assessor and Stefano Bonaccini, President; NIAF Chairman, Bob Carlucci and President, Robert Allegrini. NIAF presented a donation of $25,000 for the Protezione Civile of Emilia-Romagna, the official civil protection agency responsible for coordinating emergency responses and recovery efforts raised by NIAF members and supporters).

The second contribution was acknowledged on Saturday, June 24, at the Italian Trade Agency event in New York City celebrating the candidacy of Italian Cuisine as an intangible world heritage of UNESCO.  NIAF President, Robert Allegrini had the privilege to be able to personally convey the news that Chicago Chefs Cook had raised more than $50,000 for Emilia-Romagna flood relief to the National President of Coldiretti, Ettore Prandini, as well as to Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida.  All funds collected from Chicago Chefs Cook are being distributed to Coldiretti Emilia-Romagna, who will be distributing the funds to needy agricultural causes in this flood devastated region.

(Pictured left to right: Francesco Lollobrigida, Italian Agriculture Minister; Ettore Prandini, President of Coldiretti; and Robert Allegrini, NIAF President stand “Together for the Region of Emilia-Romagna, on June 24, 2023, at the Italian Trade Agency Gala in New York,” where Allegrini announced that Chicago Chefs Cook raised more than $50,000 for Emilia-Romagna flood relief.)

“Both occasions were excellent opportunities for NIAF to showcase its dedication to supporting Italians in need,” said Allegrini.  “Our Foundation is committed to helping rebuild and restore hope to the victims when tragedies and natural disasters occur in Italy, added Allegrini.”

To learn more and to donate to the NIAF Italian Relief Fund, please visit https://www.italianamericanrelief.org/

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.

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