Thank you for your assistance to the Joe Leone’s L’Aquila Earthquake Relief Fund. On November 22, 2009 my family and team of volunteers traveled at our own expense, to ensure 100% of the money collected during our national campaign went directly to the purchase of items the victims needed in the region of L’Aquila, Italy. With the help of your contribution, my team and I were able to devote a great portion of our time in Italy to the children of the orphanage La Casa Famiglia. When the April 6, 2009 earthquake devastated their newly renovated home in L’Aquila, the children and sisters of La Casa Famiglia moved to a building in the village of Silvi Marina. We purchased blankets, sheets, cookware, computers and a television set to make their new accommodations more hospitable.

On Thanksgiving Day 2009, my family, team and I cooked a Traditional American Thanksgiving dinner for La Casa Famiglia. We were grateful for the opportunity to share this American tradition. Although I was in Italy for this American holiday, I reflected upon all of the blessings we, as Americans, were able to provide to the people of this region in Italy. With this spirit of gratitude, I presented the signed American-Italian flag banners to a General in the Italian Army at the compound in which the G8 Summit was held and to the sisters at La Casa Famiglia.

As I look back over the past six months of this national campaign, I am touched by the generosity of the people who helped make my dream of helping the people of L’Aquila come true. I look forward to sharing with you the special moments from the trip to Italy and the journey through America. We are currently in the process of updating our website with photographs. I invite you to check back soon for more information.

With all my heart, I thank you for your support in this endeavor. While your help means so much to me I know it means even more to the victims of the earthquake. On behalf of all the people who benefited from your generosity, I extend many thanks. We may call home by a different name, but we are one world.

Kind regards,

Joseph Leone Introna