Alfredo Sforza is organizing a fundraiser effort via GoFundMe to restore the statue of the towns patron saint, Saint Oto. At the time of this posting the efforts has €440 raised of €1,500 goal

"Castelbottaccio is a small town, with a few hundred inhabitants, but extremely devoted to San Oto , the patron saint we celebrate on 30 and 31 July. In these days the town fills up and dresses up, people who have emigrated abroad come back and feel the call of these days and families gather together. On the 30th the statue of San Oto is carried in procession to the chapel, near the town, dedicated to the saint, while on the 31st (the actual day of the anniversary) it is carried by the citizens in procession through the streets of the town.

This statue is one of the most loved and important symbols of our community and citizens are almost competing for the privilege of carrying it on their shoulders!

The reason why I am writing to you is simple: to raise funds for the reconstruction of the statue, which is damaged due to age. We ask for this help because ours is a small parish and a hand would be absolutely welcome.

To view the fundraiser, please go to https://gofund.me/ccfa41e1 and please consider a donation.