NIAF E-Newsletter

Save the Date!

Start polishing your boots! NIAF’s Texas Gala will be held May 15 in Dallas. Visit www.niaf.org in the coming weeks for more details about this exciting event. This is a great opportunity for Italian Americans in the Southwest to connect and celebrate our shared heritage.

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Become a NIAF Affiliate!

Don’t forget that in addition to our many educational, public policy and travel programs, NIAF is also an umbrella group for hundreds of other Italian American organizations. In the coming months, look for more NIAF Affiliate benefits plus greater opportunities to network and become involved with other Italian American organizations.

The NIAF Affiliate Program encourages its member organizations to collaborate without losing their autonomy. If you represent an Italian American organization, contact Beatrice Santacroce at beatrice@niaf.org to learn more about the benefits of becoming a NIAF Affiliate.

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Having hosted ambassadors and presidents alike, the NIAF Headquarters in Washington, D.C., has long served as a symbol of the Italian American community. Now you and your family can be a permanent part of the foundation on which we literally have built our organization.

Your purchase of a custom-designed brick, to be permanently displayed at the entrance of NIAF’s Amb. Peter F. Secchia Building headquarters in Washington, D.C., will be an enduring symbol of your family’s support for our heritage and mission. This is your opportunity to forever be remembered as a symbol of the nation’s Italian American community.

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NIAF Chairman Jerry Colangelo was recently elected Chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board. A member of NIAF’s Board of Directors since 1997, Colangelo is Chairman of USA Basketball’s Board of Directors and architect of the 2008 USA “Redeem Team” Gold Medal win.

During his extensive basketball career, Colangelo has served as General Manager, President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and Managing Director of USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team. He is also responsible for bringing baseball to Arizona and served as Chairman and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

To learn more about the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, visit www.hoophall.com.

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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!

Perillo Tours is currently offering a $100 discount for each NIAF member who books a trip on any Perillo Escorted Trip or Custom Booking Trip (value must exceed $2,500 per traveler). Visit www.italyvacations.com/ to explore all of your travel options or call 1-800-Italy-25 and be sure to mention “NIAFPT” in order to receive your discount. Buone Vacanze!

ANSA is reporting that Italy has sent the aircraft carrier Cavour to provide logistical and operational support for relief efforts in

Haiti

The Cavour will carry some 100 vehicles, including earth-moving and construction equipment, as part of a joint mission with

Brazil

. The South American nation will provide doctors and nurses for the Cavour’s onboard hospital.

Additionally, Italy has earmarked 5.7 million euros in aid for

Haiti

and plans to cancel the more than 40 million euros in debt owed by the earthquake-stricken nation, Foreign Undersecretary Vincenzo Scotti said on Monday.

To read ANSA’s full coverage, click here.

Italian American Backlash Against “Jersey Shore” Continues

Amid media speculation about a planned second season for MTV’s “ Jersey Shore,” Italian American groups including NIAF continue efforts to fight negative media portrayals about our heritage in general, and on the cable network in particular.

Senator Joseph F. Vitale, chairman of the New Jersey Italian American Legislative Caucus, issued a letter to Viacom, MTV's parent company, requesting cancellation of the show for its "offensive, inaccurate" portrayal of Italian Americans. Vitale said saying the show violates, at least in spirit, New Jersey's hate and bias crime laws, stating, "These acts are contrary to the spirit of New Jersey law and jeopardize the active and open pursuit of freedom and opportunity." Vitale further requested that the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development open an investigation into the employment and wage practices, as well as the tax status, of the “Shore Store” where cast members were shown working.

This move came on the heels of Domino's Pizza and American Family Insurance pulling their commercials after the show’s debut episode. Dell Computers followed shortly after, becoming the third company to do so.

In addition, the show has seen protests and outrage by residents and businesses in the Jersey Shore area including The Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, for MTV’s one-dimensional depiction of the region. Seaside Heights Borough officials took a similar stance, also distancing themselves from the show.

To support NIAF’s efforts to ensure positive portrayals of Italian Americans, click here.

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NOIAW Celebrates Epiphany and “Wise Women”

NIAF Board Member Dr. John Rosa, NIAF Executive Director John Marino, former White House press secretary Dana Perino, NIAF Board Member Anita Bevacqua McBride, NIAF member Bob Blancato and former NIAF board member Hon. Connie A. Morella.

NIAF board members, supporters and staff joined the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW) to celebrate the outstanding achievements of three Italian American women including Rita Cardillo Carty, Ph.D., Hon. Connie A. Morella and Dana Perino, former White House press secretary, at an Epiphany celebration on January 13 in Washington, D.C.

NOIAW is a sisterhood of women from diverse backgrounds who share a common heritage. The group supports events of an educational, cultural and social nature in addition to offering mentoring programs for young Italian American women. For more information, visit www.noiaw.org.

The Lido Civic Club of Washington, D.C. celebrated its 80th Anniversary on January 9 at a gala held at the Italian Embassy. The evening honored legendary race car driver Mario Andretti and community leader S. Joseph Bruno, vice chairman of the Georgetown University Hospital Board of Directors.

Since its inception in 1929, the Washington, D.C.-area club has been committed to providing financial aid for students, helping the homeless and assisting victims of natural disasters. For more information about the Lido Civic Club, visit www.lidocivicclub.com

NIAF Hosts Media Forum in Chicago

NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., NIAF Board member Peter J. Arduini, Vince Gerasole of CBS2 and Ken Marino,
NIASHF Board Member.

More than 30 journalists of Italian ancestry gathered at The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) on January 12 for NIAF’s seventh media forum examining “Our Legacy Continues……The Italian American Agenda in Chicago.” John McDonough, president of the Chicago Blackhawks, spoke to guests about the importance of building a bridge from the past to the present.

The Frank J. Guarini/ NIAF Media Forum, underwritten by NIASHF, was hosted by George R. Randazzo, founder and president of the NIASHF, and Robert V. Allegrini, NIAF regional vice president for the Midwest and Hilton Hotels Corporation vice president of corporate communications for the Americas. NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq. discussed the importance of collaborating with NIASHF and local community organizations.

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San Francisco Museum Showcases
California’s Italian Immigrants

The Bay Area’s Museo Italo-Americano presents “In Cerca di Una Nuova Vita: From Italy to California, Italian Immigration 1850 to Today.” The exhibit, which is open until March 28, documents the experience of Italian immigrants to California through three waves of immigration: 1850-1924, 1924-1970, and 1970 through today.

A collection of historic photos and other materials highlight their struggle, determination, creativity, and ultimately, the cultural and economic contributions that Italians have made to the development of California. For more information, visit www.museoitaloamericano.org.

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