OSIA National Campaign Appeal

Washington - Sept. 7, - The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) and the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) have launched a national appeal to its members and supporters to come to the aid of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. OSIA is the oldest and largest organization of Italian American men and women with a history of philanthropic giving that spans its100-year existence and amounts to nearly $91 million.

One hundred percent of all donations given through OSIA and SIF will go to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. No administrative fees will be deducted.

To assist this massive national relief campaign the OSIA and SIF national officers have authorized an immediate grant of $25,000 from the SIF. This is an initial deposit toward a much larger contribution.

"I know you agree that we must do everything we can, in the most efficient manner, to assist our fellow Americans at this desperate time of need," said Robert A. Messa, SIF president.

It's estimated that 10,000 residents still in the city of New Orleans must be evacuated. According to the Congressional Budget Office, Hurricane Katrina will reduce employment by 400,000 people in the coming months. A massive clean-up and rebuilding is in store for the shorelines of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

SIF President Messa emphasized that it is "imperative that we act as swiftly as possible, and that donors give aid immediately in order to assist hurricane victims."

OSIA members should contact their lodges to inquire about collections. All wishing to donate immediately can do so through the Web at www.osia.org and click on Katrina Relief or mail in checks payable to the "Sons of Italy Foundation" and earmarked "Katrina Relief" to:

Sons of Italy Foundation
219 E Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002

OSIA has more than 600,000 members and supporters and a network of more than 700 chapters coast to coast. OSIA works at the community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of an estimated 26 million Italian Americans, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. See www.osia.org .