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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
OFFERING CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE OF ITALY SUFFERING FROM THE EARTHQUAKE OF AUGUST, 2016
WHEREAS, Central Italy suffered a 6.2-magnitude earthquake on August 24, 2016; and
WHEREAS, rescue workers have been working nonstop trying to find survivors buried in the rubble of the three towns that suffered most: Amatrice, the epicenter; Accumoli; and Arquata del Tronto; and
WHEREAS, medicine, medical supplies, food, lodgings, drones, robots, and much more are in dire need as the death toll has risen to 295; and
WHEREAS, nearly half-a-million Italian Americans call Chicago home, and many have family and friends impacted by the earthquake; and
WHEREAS, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA), a congress of more than five dozen Italian-American organizations in the Chicago area, is teaming up with Volare Ristorante, The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, and the Milan Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International to host the Italian Earthquake Relief Fundraising Luncheon at Volare Ristorante on September 17, 2016; and
WHEREAS, all of the funds raised at this event will be donated to the relief efforts; and
WHEREAS, the JCCIA is working with the Italian Consul General’s office to direct relief funds to those hit the hardest; and
WHEREAS, a variety of Chicago’s best Italian restaurants have created specials in honor of the region’s famed recipes and are donating proceeds to the earthquake relief effort; and
WHEREAS, the City of Chicago will fly the Italian flag at designated locations throughout the city in honor of the victims.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and support to the people of Italy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners commends the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and other local entities for their fundraising relief efforts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a ceremonial copy of this resolution to be tendered to Italian Consul General Finocchiaro as an expression of sympathy and solidarity with the Italian people.
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