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ITALIAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
OSDIA Grand Lodges Make Substantial Donations to OSDIA National Charities When the continuation of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) 57th Biennial Convention commenced virtually the week of Columbus Day, OSDIA Grand Lodges presented their two-year fundraising totals for OSDIA National Charities. This tradition, which takes place at every biennial convention, produced particularly heartwarming results in light of the pandemic, which prevented many lodges from holding their regular fundraising events. OSDIA has three National Charities: Cooley’s Anemia Foundation; Alzheimer’s Association; and the Doug Flute, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. “The generosity of our members has been quite remarkable, especially during the course of COVID-19,” remarked Sons of Italy Foundation President Joseph Sciame. “We have all been quite impressed at the amount of time and energy that have been expended in order to raise funds despite the hurdles of not being able to meet in person or regularly.”
Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Grand Lodges raised $43,500 for the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, which was designated as an OSDIA National Charity in 1974. Since that time, OSDIA has donated more than $3 million. The Cooley’s Anemia Foundation mission is to advance the treatment and cure for this fatal blood disease; enhance the quality of life of patients; and educate medical professionals, trait carriers, and the public about Cooley’s Anemia/Thalassemia Major
Alzheimer’s Association Grand Lodges raised $38,350 for the Alzheimer’s Association, which was designated as an OSDIA National Charity in 1993. Since that time, OSDIA has donated more than $1.7 million. The Alzheimer’s Association mission is to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. Grand Lodges raised $27,850 for the Doug Flutie, WINTER 2022
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Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc., which was designated as an OSDIA National Charity in 2011. Since that time, OSDIA has donated a few hundred thousand dollars. The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc., has programs and activities to improve the quality of everyday life for people and families affected by autism. The Foundation aims to provide a path for education and/or employment during the day; opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school; and the tools to be safe, supported, and informed at all times.
Help Our Military Heroes and the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum In addition to its National Charities, OSDIA has also dedicated ongoing suppor t for Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH) and the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum (GMM). Grand Lodges raised A past Sons of Italy Foundation $2,875 for HOMH, HOMH van recipient. which provides fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty. Last year marked the seventh time in eight years that the SIF has donated at least $20,000 to HOMH. This year, OSDIA committed yet another $20,000 to HOMH. Grand Lodges raised $3,100 for the GMM, which is operated by OSDIA. Its mission is to collect, hold, own, maintain, preserve, and exhibit historical objects and artifacts relating to the lives of General Giuseppe Garibaldi and Antonio Meucci, the inventor of the telephone. It also offers a wide variety of services that promote Italian culture—including programs for children and adults, museum tours, opera classes, Italian language The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum located in Staten classes, and a young inventors program. Island, New York. ITALIAN AMERICA
