Presenter
Presented by Mr. Riccciardi
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WHEREAS, the Order of Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) is a National fraternal society with headquarters located in Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the ISDA was founded in Pittsburgh in 1930 and became the extended family to many of the Italian immigrants and their children who settled in the city and surrounding counties who worked in the coalmines, steel mills, factories and railroads; and
WHEREAS, the ISDA provided low cost mortuary benefits to widows whose husbands were killed in these labor-intensive industries. At that time there were no company benefits or safety nets and many immigrant women faced extreme poverty; and now provides secure insurance programs for all members; and
WHEREAS, throughout its 75 year history, the ISDA membership has sustained the values of their parents and the gratitude held by them towards their adopted county - America; and
WHEREAS, in this spirit, members express their generosity though spiritual, scholastic, financial and social commitments to the Order and to the community; such as: the Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Scholarship Fund that has raised over a million dollars to assist members' children to better afford college; gifts and entertainment provided during the Christmas Season to those living in nursing and retirement homes; and fundraisers, like the Fair Lady Frolic and Fashion Show that helps subsidize 900 special needs children for Italian Day at Kennywood each summer; and
WHERERAS, ISDA National President Ralph C. Hartford has invited over 500 guests to the celebration including the Honorable Ruggero Aldisert, Senior Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Ralph J. Cappy and former Chief Justice, the Honorable Stephen A. Zappala, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephan A. Zappala Jr., Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Pennsylvania Treasurer Bob Casey, past ISDA National Presidents Jeanne Caliguiri and Judges S. Louis Farino and Patrick Tamilia, Honorary Consul of Italy Dr. Carla Lucente, Bishop Anthony Bosco, Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh Mark Nordenberg, Chief Executive of Allegheny County Dan Onorato, and many more distinguished individuals to participate in an evening of "Honoring the Past and Ensuring the Future" at this year's 75th Diamond Jubilee on Saturday October 8, 2005 at the Westin Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends the ISDA for 75 years of dedication, support and countless opportunities provided to all members and their children and extends congratulations on its Diamond Jubilee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that October 8th be hereby declared "Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.