The urgent need within the San Giovanni Valdarno and surrounding communities is growing at an extremely rapid rate.  Residents of the area are in great need as the wave of infections continues to climb.  Elisa and I, along with Paolo Ricci, and Mayor Valentina Vadi, are working together to leverage donations to benefit the local hospital, Santa Maria alla Gruccia Hospital, in conjunction with the Conference of Mayors efforts within Italy.  We are using this format to expedite and assist American donors with this cause.   Your donation will be administered under the directive of Mayor Vadi and her designees to make sure the hospital receives these most urgent funds.


Joe and I feel compelled to facilitate this project in support of, and honor to, the 14 year Sister Cities partnerships between Corning, NY and San Giovanni Valdarno, Arezzo, Italy.  There is no time like the present to embrace the Sister Cities Mission of Peace through People, One Person, One Community at a time.  In this case People Helping People, One Person, and One Community at a time. 


This GoFundMe account has been setup to accept online donations. If you prefer you can also mail a check made out to Joe Tobia and send to 401 W. 1st St. Corning, NY 14830-2331 with Memo Line:  Italy COVID-19 Fundraiser.

While we are most aware of the very serious implications of the COVID-19 virus on the United States of America and the concerns for our citizens and economy,  we are hopeful that these donations, and messages to the students, teachers and citizens of our sister city are, even in the smallest way, a heartfelt gesture.

Please consider donating today! The funds are urgent and will be distributed promptly.

To learn more about the Conference of Mayors initiative in Italy visit: https://valdarnooggi.it/gruccia-al-via-una-raccolta-fondi-promossa-da-conferenza-dei-sindaci-e-calcit-valdarno/?fbclid=IwAR0IIcO141jSuSHOiQKtDtUzkO_uNV1_xC520hS0XiHgb4IOHAmXGVMGHNo