The flood that struck Bergamo on September 9 caused severe damage to homes, garages, basements, and businesses, leaving a lasting impact on the territory and the lives of many residents.
The municipal administration responded promptly, submitting a preliminary damage assessment to the Lombardy Region via the RASDA platform. This assessment was based on 942 reports (786 from citizens and 156 from businesses), in support of the request for a State of Emergency declaration. Simultaneously, a Collaboration Pact was activated with banking institutions to facilitate access to credit for families and businesses.
On September 30, a flood relief Solidarity Fund was established, entrusted to the Bergamo Community Foundation, with the aim of providing non-repayable grants to support urgent expenses already incurred by affected residents and businesses—such as the pumping out and cleaning of premises or initial restoration work.
The City of Bergamo initially contributed €250,000; thanks to the support of other entities—including Sacbo, the Banca Popolare di Bergamo Foundation, Caritas Diocesana Bergamasca, and Fondazione MIA—the Fund later grew to €600,000.
In this context, the Charity Committee of the Pesenti Foundation approved a contribution of €30,000 to the Fund, with the aim of providing concrete aid to the affected population.
To strengthen the collective response to the emergency, the Foundation decided to associate its 20th anniversary celebration dinner—held on November 26, 2024, at gres art 671—with a fundraising initiative, the proceeds of which—over €110,000—were entirely donated to the Solidarity Fund.
To further amplify the initiative, the Pesenti Foundation implemented a targeted media campaign in the region’s main outlets: Corriere della Sera, Bergamo edition, and L’Eco di Bergamo. This strategic decision aimed to strengthen the Foundation’s connection to the local community and foster broader reflection beyond the event audience, engaging the wider public and raising awareness among citizens, businesses, and local institutions on key issues related to sustainable development.
“We are confident that this initiative,” emphasized Carlo Pesenti, President of the Foundation, “is the best way to celebrate this important anniversary and to highlight the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to the city and its support during times of serious emergency—an approach that has defined its evolution since it was officially presented at the Donizetti Theatre on November 27, 2004.”
Elena Carnevali, Mayor of Bergamo, confirming her participation in the event on November 26, commented on the Foundation’s commitment as follows:“This gesture represents much more than just concrete support for our city and its citizens, who were severely affected by the flood on September 9: it is a tangible sign of the deep solidarity and ongoing attention that the Foundation has always shown toward the community, through initiatives that span various fields—from healthcare to education, from sustainability to culture and social welfare. I am also grateful for the decision to support the Fund through a major fundraising initiative during the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the Fondazione Pesenti ETS—an initiative that will allow us to mobilize additional, essential resources. At a time when collaboration between institutions, financial bodies, and businesses is increasingly crucial, the support and closeness shown by the Fondazione Pesenti carry great significance.” .
Through this commitment, the Foundation reaffirms its closeness to the Bergamo community, continuing a path of tangible solidarity that began with its official presentation at the Donizetti Theatre in November 2004.