DonateLegacy of Love and Impact: Journey to Neverland Campaign
Journey to Neverland: Celebrating 80 Years of Magic for Lost Boys and Girls is more than just a campaign – it encapsulates what happens when love, generosity, and vision come together to build a lasting legacy.
For one longtime and generous board member, Emilie Puzio, the journey with A Chance In Life has spanned over five decades (and counting!). Emilie was kind enough to share her story with all of us. Read on below to feel inspired by Emilie’s family’s legacy.
1. How did you or your family first get involved with A Chance In Life?
My family’s involvement began back in 1974, when I was a young married woman with a strong desire to adopt an infant from Italy. A family friend, Dr. Franco, told me it wouldn’t be possible—his brother, a Monsignor living in a small town in southeast Calabria, explained that the Italian government typically did not accept adoption applications from Americans. Still, I held on to the belief that an Italian child was meant to be part of my life.
When the Monsignor returned to Calabria, a midwife came to him to place a newborn baby girl. In 1975, after working diligently to gather all the necessary documents, my precious Amy Margherita was placed in my arms by her birth mother. It was an unforgettable moment that changed my life.
Amy has been a true gift to our family. We wanted to honor her heritage and felt a deep connection to the mission of Boys’ and Girls’ Towns of Italy—later renamed A Chance In Life. We began supporting the organization and have stayed involved ever since. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Board since 2003, and over the years, my family and I have attended the annual gala, visited the New York City program on Staten Island (called “The Village”), and shared the mission of A Chance In Life with as many people as we can.
2. What values or aspects of A Chance In Life resonates most with you and your family?
During our visit to La Repubblica dei Ragazzi in 2023, my daughter Amy Margherita said to me ‘these children come from unstable homes but A Chance In Life gives them an environment filled with love, stability, education, fun, and purpose.’ The care and guidance these young citizens receive reflect the values I was raised with—and that I’ve passed on to Amy Margherita: compassion, a love of learning, and respect for others.
3. What impact do you believe your contributions have made, either in specific communities or through the overall mission of the organization?
I believe in supporting initiatives that create lasting change when it comes to education. That is why in 2022, in honor of my daughter, I established the Amy Margherita Puzio Educational Fund, a yearly gift to supplement the educational needs of the young ladies at La Repubblica dei Ragazzi. Knowing this fund will help provide young women with the resources and tools to pursue their education is extremely meaningful.
Emilie’s story is a testament to the importance of legacy and impact. Join Emilie in continuing this story of love and impact – make a gift in honor of the Puzio family and be part of the journey!
This campaign is an opportunity to celebrate 80 years of changing the lives of young boys and girls around the world. Imagine how many more lives we can change together. Join us in shaping the future – one chance at a time.
Author
Gabriele Delmonaco
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