NIAF E-News
July 2009     
Volume 3, Issue 8

Gala Update:

Act now! Saturday is final deadline for early gala registration

Planning to attend the National Italian American Foundation’s 34th Anniversary Convention and Gala Weekend? Only a few days remain until the July 18 cut-off for discounted early registration.

By registering before midnight on July 18, you receive a discount and 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. President Obama has appointed several Italian Americans, including 2009 Honoree Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, to prominent posts in his administration.

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.

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY and take advantage of the reduced pricing!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

NIAF announces Bastianich, Gugino, Venditti as gala honorees

NIAF is proud to announce that it will honor culinary pioneer and restaurant entrepreneur Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, actress Carla Gugino and renowned Italian singer and songwriter Antonello Venditti at the Foundation’s upcoming 34th Anniversary Gala on October 24, 2009.

Lidia Bastianich will receive NIAF’s prestigious Special Achievement Award in Humanitarian Service. The famed chef is an Italian war refugee who eventually came to the United States and gained notoriety through her various television cooking shows. She owns four critically acclaimed restaurants in various parts of the country with her son, Joe Bastianich, and with fellow celebrity chef Mario Batali. She has written many best-selling cookbooks and has created the popular Web site, Lidia’s Italy, which contains TV show highlights, favorite recipes, her personal blog and various sources of culinary inspiration.

Carla Gugino , who was born in Florida to an Italian-American father and English and Irish-American mother, will receive NIAF’s Special Achievement Award in Entertainment. Her career began after a brief modeling stint in New York, when she decided to pursue acting. She began with small roles in such well-known television shows such as “The Wonder Years” and “Chicago Hope.” Her career now includes a role in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Entourage” in addition to starring roles in films such as “American Gangster” alongside Denzel Washington, “Night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller and “ Sin City,” a star-studded film based on a graphic novel. In 2009, Gugino starred in back-to-back weekend box-office hits – “The Watchmen” opened as the number-one movie, while “Escape to Witch Mountain” opened and took the top spot the following week.

Since the 1970s, Antonello Venditti’s words and melodies have inspired listeners and lead a call for social change. Accordingly, NIAF is proud to present him with our Special Achievement Award in Music. Beloved all over the world for his anthemic ballads, Venditti has spoken out against corruption and drug use – particularly in his 1975 hit album “Lilly"– while embracing other historical and social themes. Recently, the singer has found a newer following in soccer fans; followers of A.S. Roma may recognize Venditti as the performer of “Grazie Roma,” a song played following the team’s games.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

NIAF announces Convention Weekend’s Friday Night Entertainment

The Foundation is pleased to announce that Italian singing legend and 2009 Gala Honoree Antonello Venditti will perform on Friday, October 23!

Starting at 8:30 p.m., this year’s Friday Night Entertainment will feature an array of delectable dishes, open bar, and this exciting, once-in-a-lifetime performance by Venditti that’s sure to keep you on your feet.

Past Friday night performers have included Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Duprees, Jay and the Americans, Italian singing sensation Patrizio and actor Joe Piscopo.

To purchase tickets, call Kelli DiPietro at 202-387-0600 or e-mail kelli@niaf.org. Additionally, click here to register for a gala weekend package that includes Friday Night Entertainment tickets.

Bid on exclusive items at NIAF’s Celebrity Auction

NIAF's 34th Annual Celebrity Auction is coming up on October 24 in Washington, D.C. This year's auction will feature amazing trips, fantastic products and many more wonderful items for bidding. This is a great opportunity to help NIAF's scholarship and education funds while enjoying some items for you and your family.

Other News:

Annual golf tournament in Rockland County to raise scholarship funds

NIAF is pleased to announce the Fifth Annual NIAF Golf Tournament in Sparkill, N.Y., to promote NIAF membership and support. The tournament will be held on Monday, August 10 at The Rockland Country Club.

Breakfast and registration begin at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start on the golf course at noon. A cocktail reception will follow at 5 p.m., where there will be a musical performer followed by dinner, live entertainment, free raffle prizes, live and silent auctions and much more!

Sponsorship levels include a complete Golf Foursome Sponsorship and a simple Dinner Foursome Sponsorship for those who wish to attend the cocktail reception and dinner without playing golf. Be sure to reserve your sponsorship package no later than July 27.

Proceeds from the tournament go to help fund NIAF scholarships and programs; the event also is an important fundraiser for local Rockland County residents.

Please contact Nick Caiazzo, tournament chair, with any sponsorship inquiries at nicholas.caiazzo@wilsonelser.com.

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