"...Together, we build a meaningful tribute to a woman who inspired us to love, to learn and to make our community a better place to live."
Dear Friends:
The following email was written by my friends Donna and David Drimmer. Please take the time to read about Fausta Ippolito, a wonderful woman we all loved. And if you can join us Monday, I'd be grateful.
- Jimmy Van Bramer
Born in the Italian village of Castel D'isangro, Fausta Ippolito was a beautiful yet unassuming woman, grounded by basic family values. A devoted wife and mother of two children, Fausta represented all that is best in life.
As an elementary school teacher -- fluent in Italian and other Romance Languages -- Fausta recognized the power that education, learning and literacy can have in molding a young life.
On June 22nd, Fausta Ippolito died tragically and much too soon from a rare form of colon cancer. She left a vast multitude of grieving family and friends, and fond memories in the hearts of all who knew, loved and admired her.
Fausta wholeheartedly embraced the plan to build a new branch of Queens Library in the Hunters Point community she called home, mobilizing the residents of her neighborhood to support this worthy venture.
On Monday, September 19th at 6 PM we invite you to gather at Manducatis Rustica at 46-33 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, which has graciously sponsored this evening, to celebrate Fausta Ippolito and help us create the Forever Fausta Learning and Literacy Endowment in support of books, materials, resources, and programs at the future Hunters Point Community Library.
Please join us for a joyful evening of food, drink, song and heartfelt memories of Fausta Ippolito. There will be a Silent Auction & Raffle of generous donations of truly valuable goods and services donated by local businesses and individuals in honor of Fausta.
Our goal is to fund the "Forever Fausta" endowment with an initial investment of $50,000. A group of close friends and admirers of Fausta have agreed to match any and all gifts totaling up to $25,000, so it is our mission to raise $25,000 and begin the endowment with a $50,000 gift in Fausta's honor.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this request, and we hope to thank you personally on September 19th at Manducatis Rustica. The words spoken at Fausta's funeral will be our beacon:
"Let her last exhalation be an inspiration and transition from mourning of grief to the morning of a new day and a better life for all because of...Forever Fausta, Forever Fausta, Forever Fausta."
Sincerely,
Donna and David Drimer
P.S. All donations should be made payable to Queens Library Foundation, with an accompanying note indicating your gift is for the Forever Fausta Learning and Literacy Endowment. Be assured that 100% of your contribution will go to this purpose. Sponsorships are available.