Chris Zizza, president of C & R Flooring in Needham, Mass., will receive the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 11. The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations awards the medals every year to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their ethnic group while exemplifying the values of the American way of life. Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Martin Scorsese and Bill Clinton have received the award in the past.
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Chris Zizza, president of C & R Flooring in Needham, Mass., will receive the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 11. The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations awards the medals every year to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their ethnic group while exemplifying the values of the American way of life. Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Martin Scorsese and Bill Clinton have received the award in the past.
"This is an incredible honor," Zizza said. "I am very aware of my roots and I marvel at the bravery it took for my grandparents to come to America for a better life for their family. With every opportunity that comes my way, I say a little thank you to them for bringing us to this great country."
The award is given to living U.S. citizens, native or naturalized, who live a life dedicated to helping others, whether at a community or national level; preserve and celebrate the history, traditions and values of their ancestral group while being valuable citizens of the United States; strive for tolerance and acceptance between ethnic, racial and religious groups in the United States and abroad; or share their personal and/or professional gifts for the benefit of humanity.
Zizza and C & R Flooring provide materials and labor to many charitable projects, including the Room to Dream Foundation. C & R also donated all the labor for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition house renovation in Medfield, Mass., installing 3,700 square feet of flooring in seven hours.
Zizza also personally supports the Catholic Charities of Boston, the Rodman Ride for Kids, the Friends of the Valley Foundation (which he co-founded) and the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame. He received honors for his hurricane relief efforts in both Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Hurricane Irene in Southern Vermont.
All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.
