NIAF E-Newsletter

Gala Update:

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Planning to attend the National Italian American Foundation’s 34th Anniversary Convention and Gala Weekend? Tickets are still available!

There’s still time to lock in your reservation for this two-day event, which consistently sells out; typically the gala alone is attended by 3,000 guests. Planned for the weekend of October 23-24, 2009 in Washington, D.C., the weekend will feature special receptions, entertainment and conferences. Visit www.niaf.org for more details about this event, which will be held at The Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C.

In keeping with our tradition of hosting the President of the United States at this event, President Barack Obama has been invited to attend. But most importantly, your attendance will advance NIAF’s educational programs, including scholarships and educational trips to Italy for young people, grants to organizations and other special initiatives to preserve and transmit our great heritage.

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Open any refrigerator and you’re likely to see labels reading “Pepsi,” “Gatorade” or “Tropicana.” The man behind those brands in the U.S. is Massimo F. d'Amore, who since 2007 has overseen their growth as Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Americas Beverages. In recognition of his work, NIAF is proud to present d’Amore with the Foundation’s Special Achievement Award in Business.

D’Amore joins previously announced honorees actress Carla Gugino, chef and philanthropist Lidia Mattichio Bastianich, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and Italian singing legend Antonello Venditti for NIAF’s October 34th Annual Gala celebrating the achievements of Italian Americans across the nation.

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As an added bonus, late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel will serve as Master of Ceremonies for NIAF’s 34th Anniversary Gala. Kimmel’s show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” can be seen weeknights on ABC.

Kimmel has remained true to his Italian roots by co-founding the Precious Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles in 2002. He has hosted the event each year with long-time friend Adam Carolla and continues to act as chairman of its board of directors. Kimmel’s involvement helps bring the Italian community in Los Angeles together and keep the Italian heritage alive in that city.

Gala honoree and renowned Italian singer/songwriter Antonello Venditti will give an exclusive performance for the Convention Weekend’s Friday Night Entertainment on October 23. Since the 1970s, Venditti has been beloved all over the world for his anthemic ballads and socially conscious lyrics. Recently, he is most known for the soccer anthem and patriotic salute to his native city of Rome, “Grazie Roma.”

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime performance are $90; discounted to $70 with a gala ticket purchase. Contact Carlo Piccolo at 202-939-3105 or carlo@niaf.org to reserve your spot!

Bid on exclusive items at NIAF’s Celebrity Auction

NIAF's 34th Annual Celebrity Auction on October 24 is a rare chance to bid on amazing trips, fantastic products and many more wonderful items. This is a great opportunity to help NIAF's scholarship and education funds while enjoying some items for you and your family.

If you are interested in donating an item to the auction, please contact Alessia Dinkel at alessia@niaf.org or 202-939-3117.

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Showcase your company at NIAF’s Piazza d’Italia

You can do more than attend the convention and gala weekend – you can also be a part of the scene by exhibiting in our Piazza d’Italia, a popular showcase of Italian goods, travel opportunities, food, wine and more.

Back by popular demand during the gala weekend, the Piazza d’Italia is the perfect opportunity to showcase your business to Italian Americans from across the country. A variety of sponsorship packages are available, providing exhibit booths, volunteers to represent your company, tickets to the weekend’s Friday night entertainment and Saturday evening gala, and even ads in NIAF’s Ambassador magazine.

To sign up for an exhibit booth today, call 202-939-3113 or e-mail piazza@niaf.org.

Other News:

First group of University of L’Aquila students arrives in U.S.

The first group of displaced students from the earthquake-torn University of L’Aquila has arrived in the United States, thanks to the efforts of a public-private partnership between NIAF and the U.S. State Department.

Twenty-six students are settling in at Sierra Nevada College, located on Lake Tahoe in Nevada. Shortly after April’s tragic earthquake, the university agreed to offer full tuition and room and board for University of L’Aquila students interested in continuing their studies in the U.S. The University of Miami, Villanova University and the University of New Mexico offered similar accommodations.

More than 100 students applied -- 34 for the academic year, eight for the fall semester, and 61 for the spring semester. Scholarships are valued at more than $970,000 and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs secured 30 roundtrip international tickets for students, valued at $43,000. The student visa application process was expedited by the U.S. Embassy in Rome.

Foundation continues fundraising for Abruzzo relief

Photo courtesy of The Hall Company. NIAF New York Area Coordinator Susan Paolercio and Gary Bologna, COO of Alicart Restaurant Group, hold a check for $15,000 for NIAF’s Abruzzo Relief Fund, raised at a June 22 fundraiser at Carmine’s restaurant in New York City. Also pictured are Michael Honea, Glenn Rolnick, Penny Kaplan and Cathy Mosomillo, also of Alicart.

During the past few months, several events in the New York area have raised money for NIAF’s Abruzzo Relief Fund. Most recently, a June 22 event at New York City’s Carmine’s family-style Italian restaurant, a member of the Alicart Restaurant Group, raised $15,000 for Abruzzo relief efforts.

One June 1, an event at New York City’s Broadway Comedy Club raised $1,800 for the relief fund. Hosted by Nancy Forman on behalf of Media People, Inc., a publishers’ representative company, and emceed by Chris Caggiano of Golf Digest Magazine, the event attracted more than 80 guests for a night of comedy and activism.

NIAF New York Area Coordinator Susan Paolercio represented the Foundation at both events and was joined by Foundation Council Member Nick Caiazzo at the June 1 Broadway Comedy Club event.

NIAF’s Abruzzo Relief Fund still needs your help! To be a part of the cause to bring more students to the U.S., call 202-387-0600 or click here to make your donation today.

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Get a jump on your 2010 travel plans!

Sicily ’s charm, hospitality and culture await attendees of NIAF’s next Heritage Travel Program, who will visit Catania, Erice, Marsala, Monreale, Mt. Etna, Palermo, Ragusa, Savoca, and Taormina.

The last travel programs to Sicily were so popular and generated such an overwhelming response, that plans for next years’ trip have already been put in place. Spots tend to sell out fast, so contact Mariana Pisano from Unitours at mpisano@unitours.com to reserve your space today! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to travel with us!

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NIAF mourns loss of Italian tourists in N.Y. helicopter tragedy

On August 8, a tragic mid-air collision between a helicopter and an airplane as they toured New York City killed nine people, including five tourists from Italy.

NIAF’s President, Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., issued a statement on behalf of the Foundation, extending sympathy to all of those affected by the devastating crash.

“We would like to take a moment to offer our thoughts and prayers at this time to the Italian people, who in turn have shown us great warmth and hospitality on our many visits to their homeland,” Del Raso said in his statement.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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NIAF celebrates 20 years of Italian American Heritage Month

To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of National Italian American Heritage Month, NIAF has produced four 30-second public service announcements celebrating our rich culture. In them, actors Robert Davi, Dom DeLuise, Joe Mantegna, and Ray Romano discuss the importance of education, promoting heritage and celebrating being American. Watch the spots at www.niaf.org under “News & Media.”

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Alitalia offers young traveler writers contest

Alitalia believes that international travel is an exciting learning experience for everyone, but especially for young people. In the spirit of discovery and learning, Alitalia has launched the Alitalia Young Travel Writers Contest. The grand prize is a free trip to Italy!

Ten travel essays will be selected for publication on www.alitalia.com. One essay will be judged to capture the spirit of international travel best. The writer and his or her two legal guardians will be awarded a grand prize of a trip to Rome, courtesy of Alitalia Vacations.

To learn more about this contest and essay guidelines, please visit www.alitalia.com. Please see Web site for the official rules and eligibility requirements of the contest prior to entering.

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NIAF e-Newsletter compiled
by Beatrice Santacroce
and edited
by Monica Soladay.
enews@niaf.org

For the latest NIAF news and in-depth details of all the Foundation offers, be sure to visit our Web site: www.niaf.org