The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has established a special NIAF/Abruzzo Relief Fund to help the victims and their families who perished from the recent earthquake in the town of L’Aquila and other small towns in central Italy in the region of Abruzzo.

According to NIAF President and Justinian Society member Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., “NIAF extends its sincerest condolences to the victims and their families suffering from the recent earthquake that struck residents as they slept. This tragic disaster has claimed the lives of innocent people. Words cannot convey the Foundation’s sense of loss for the victims. Our hearts and prayers are with them and the rescue workers, who are frantically trying to save those who remained trapped in the debris.” Del Raso’s ancestors trace their roots to the region of Abruzzo.

Many members of the NIAF Board of Directors including Gabriel A. Battista, John F. Calvelli, Arthur J. Furia, Esq. and Anthony A. Marnell II also trace their heritage to the region of Abruzzo. The ancestors of the Honorable Pat Tiberi of Ohio, who serves as co-chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation of the 111th United States Congress, emigrated from the Abruzzo region to the United States.

In fact, the U.S Department of State has partnered with NIAF in a public-private partnership to bring direct aid to L’Aquila University to restore its role as an important academic, social and economic engine for the Abruzzo region through several programs. The programs include: