WILMINGTON, MA — At is meeting on Monday night, the Wilmington Board of Selectmen took a few minutes to publicly thank the Wilmington Sons of Italy for donating $6,400 to fund the new “Welcome to Wilmington” sign at the Town Common. The sign was installed in late August. The suggestion was made by resident Audrey Reed and brought forward by former Selectman Lou Cimaglia. Wilmington Apple previously reported on the sign’s addition HERE.
“Thank you very much to the Sons of Italy,” said Selectman Greg Bendel. “I appreciate all the things you’ve done for the town over the years. [The sign] is just another great addition you’ve made to our town and I think it looks awesome. It’s a great addition t the Town Common.”
“The Sons of Italy has done a lot for this community and the community has done a lot for the Sons of Italy,” said Selectman Kevin Caira, also a longtime member of the Sons. “I want to thank of all its members for their generosity… The Sons will be celebrating its 50th year anniversary in Wilmington on March 25, 2017.”
“Every time there’s a cause to support, the Sons of Italy step up to bat and hit a homerun,” said Selectman Mike McCoy. “You guys do a fantastic job.”
“The Sons of Italy exemplify what is best about the Town of Wilmington,” said Selectman Mike Champoux. “The sign that’s on the Town Common now to welcome visitors to town is a testament to the hard work and generosity of the Sons of Italy. Thank you for your ongoing support of our community.”
“There is no question the legacy the Sons of Italy has in this town,” said Selectwoman Judy O’Connell. “Your organization is a household name… That Welcome to Wilmington sign is a signature item that has really made our Common look for fantastic. Driving by, you can’t help but notice it.”
On behalf of the Town, O’Connell then presented a certificate of appreciation to Wilmington Sons of Italy President Charlie DeStefano.
“From 1996 to the present, we’ve donated over $1,000,000 to Wilmington, state and national charities,” said Sons of Italy President Charlie DeStefano. “Our mission is to help as much as we can.”
Vice President John Romano promoted an upcoming fundraiser that the Sons are hosting on Saturday, October 22, from 6pm to 10pm, at the Tewksbury VFW (87 Vernon Street) to support the victims of the Earthquake that devastated the Italian region of Lazio.
All money raised from this fundraiser will be donated to the Sons of Italy Foundation, which is working directly with the Italian Embassy to direct funds to emergency relief, recovery and rebuilding as requested by the Italian Government.
The Sons of Italy will be serving a meal of pizza, salad, dessert and coffee. There will be a cash bar and a DJ will provide music. Tickets are available for a $10 donation at the door. Checks can be made out to the Wilmington Sons of Italy. If you cannot attend and want to make a contribution of any amount, please send a check (written out to Wilmington the Sons of Italy) to Wilmington Sons of Italy, Earthquake Relief Fund, P.O. Box 387, Wilmington, MA 01887.
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