North End Festival To Help Victims Of Deadly Earthquake
BOSTON (CBS) - Three hundred thousand people are expected to flock to the North End from August 26th-29th for the nearly century-old Italian tradition of St. Anthony's Feast.
As they celebrate, they're also sending prayers and money to the communities impacted by the deadly 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Italy.
"I'm a social worker so this is something that's right up my alley. I'd like to be able to do things that contribute to communities and helping other people," said Marcy Williamson. Williamson and her husband brought their toddler son to experience the festivities.
The Consulate General of Italy in Boston has asked restaurants to donate a portion of their profits to the hardest hit areas of the country.
"We're going to give a percentage back. We'll be selling a particular dish which is Amatigianna, which is named after the town where the earthquake happened," said Massamino's Restaurant Owner Paul DaMore.
DaMore is also the president of the Italian ministry-based non profit organization called St. Anthony's Society.
"This all happened today so this is all coming together and I'm hoping that the word will spread to other restaurants to get involved so that we can raise more money and send it back to Italy and help families that need it," said DaMore.
His organization which gives to charity has shifted gears to focus on helping his home country of Italy. He knows that struggle well after his family had to recover from a deadly earthquake that hit his hometown in Southern Italy in the 1980s.
"It was devastating because it took down my family's home, my grandmother, my aunts, and for many many of years, they were stuck in little trailers and these trailers it was tough, no heat, hot water, it was trying," said DaMore.
"I'm glad we came here tonight," expressed Longtime North End Resident Janice Luongo. "I'm just praying for them over in Italy. I hope they get through it."
For more information from the Consulate General of Italy in Boston on how to help those impacted by the deadly earthquake, click here:
