Contact: Colleen Roche/ Samantha I. Lugo (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Coalition of Italian American Organizations (CIAO) founder Mary Sansone at a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new CIAO headquarters at 5816 13th Avenue in Brooklyn. CIAO bought the building from the City for one dollar and recently completed a $125,000 renovation.
"This wonderful space, which you have renovated beautifully, will accommodate all the important things that CIAO has grown to do," Mayor Giuliani said. "The building reflects the balanced mission of your organization, one defined and animated by the spirit of your founder, Mary Sansone. You understand all of the things that make the Italian-American community unique, and make us all so proud of our culture, but you also realize that New York City is strong because of how people from different cultures and backgrounds come together and learn about each other."
"I want to recognize all the groups whose generosity and cooperation made the renovation of this building possible," the Mayor added. "I particularly want to mention Charles Innis, former Vice President of Brooklyn Union Gas, who passed away last year and to whom the third floor is dedicated. Brooklyn Union's commitment to this project has been unwavering. As a result of this tremendous teamwork, CIAO will be able to thrive in this new space and that means that all the people that CIAO serves will be able to thrive. That's worth celebrating."
Joining the Mayor were Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, CIAO President Dr. Daniel Ricciardi and CIAO Executive Director Sal Aspromonte.
CIAO is a not-for-profit organization established in 1966 to provide Italian-Americans and all New Yorkers with the educational and social resources that give them the power to face their own challenges. CIAO operates solely through the efforts of volunteers.
The new headquarters facility in Brooklyn is a fully-renovated three story building. It offers information and referral services on the first floor, a library dedicated to explore the history and heritage of Italian-Americans on the second floor. The third floor houses the "Community Understanding for Racial and Ethnic Equality", which builds bridges between racial and ethnic groups.