NIAF eNewsletter

Cast of “Jersey Boys" to headline NIAF Night in New York

NIAF is proud to announce that the Chicago cast of the hit Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” will headline a NIAF Night in New York on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Held at the Hilton New York at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, this elegant evening will feature performance by this all-star Broadway cast in addition to cocktails and delectable food.

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NHL star Modano joins Texas Gala Honorees

NHL star Mike Modano will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award for Sports at our upcoming Texas Gala at the Adolphus hotel in Dallas on May 15, 2010.

Modano, who plays for the Dallas Stars, will join fellow Texas Gala honorees Jay Lombardo of Lombardo Custom Apparel, recipient of the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Fashion; Bruno Mascolo, co-founder of Toni & Guy hair products, recipient of the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and the Arts; Gaetano Mascolo, also a co-founder of Toni & Guy, and recipient of a posthumous NIAF Special Achievement in Business and the Arts; and Victor “Vic” Salvino, dealer principle of Texas Kenworth Co. and recipient of the NIAF Special Achievement Award for Humanitarian Service.

The event – which is chaired by Joseph DePinto, president and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc. – begins with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by 7:30 p.m. dinner. Cocktail attire is requested. Ticket prices range from $250 to $1,000; a number of sponsorship opportunities are available.

This is a great opportunity for Italian Americans in the Southwest to connect and celebrate our shared heritage. To learn more about how you can attend NIAF’s Texas Gala, click here. To sponsor the NIAF event, contact NIAF Senior Director Geraldine Jones at 202-387-0600 or jerry@niaf.org.

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Golden State Warriors “BEST OF Italy Night” benefits NIAF

NIAF is proud to partner with the Golden State Warriors and the Silicon Valley Italian Executive Council for a BEST OF Italy Night on March 13, 2010, featuring the return of guard Marco Bellini as the Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors.

Tickets to this 7:30 p.m. game at Oracle Arena also include special Italian performances throughout the night, a unique BEST OF Italy t-shirt, and an invitation to the BEST OF Italy pre-game show from 4-6 p.m. featuring Italy’s finest cars, food, wine and more. Groups of 20 or more will receive an additional discount on the cost of each ticket.

A portion of every ticket benefits the National Italian American Foundation’s scholarship fund. For more information, please contact Maria Serrano at 510-986-2270 or via e-mail at mgserrano@gs-warriors.com

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NIAF hosts reception in Baltimore

NIAF invites you to join us at a special NIAF Council Reception on Monday, March 29, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. at Baltimore’s Geppi Entertainment Museum, located in the Camden Station building in Camden Yards (301 West Camden Street).

This event will be attended by NIAF Council members, Italian American business and community leaders and other notables from the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas.

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It’s time to walk the Walk!

You may attend our galas, donate to our scholarship funds or remain an active member of NIAF. But now you can truly walk the walk, by buying a brick on NIAF’s Walk of Honor.

Your purchase of a custom-designed brick, to be permanently displayed at the entrance of NIAF’s Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Building headquarters in Washington, D.C., will be an enduring symbol of your family’s support for our heritage and mission. Plus, it is your chance to help NIAF continue to build a meaningful program base – and walk the walk for years to come.

But act quickly! NIAF continues to receive brick orders and space is limited.

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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!

The Queen Mary 2 brings distinct British refinement to the sunny islands of the Caribbean, including St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Barbados and Turks & Caicos. Learn more by calling NIAF’s partner, Cruise Market, at 1-800-223-1946.

Visit the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Penn., through August 1 to view “Ancient Rome & America”, a showcase of the cultural, political and social connections between ancient Rome and modern America.

The exhibition features more than 300 artifacts from Italy and the United States, bringing together a never-before-seen collection from Italy’s leading archaeological institutions in Florence, Naples, and Rome, paired with objects from over 40 institutions in the United States.

Print out and present this page at the National Constitution Center box office now through August 1, 2010 to redeem a $2 discount towards adult admission to Ancient Rome & America at the National Constitution Center. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens, $12 for children between the ages of 4-12 and free for National Constitution Center members and children under the age of 4.

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 this state. For more information, visit www.museoitaloamericano.org.

During April, the U.S. Department of Commerce will conduct the 2010 Census, the results of which will help communities receive federal funding for hospitals, schools, emergency services and other public works. But the information provided by the census goes much further.

Community organizations, including NIAF, rely on critical census data to ensure the continued representation of our constituents and plan our many programs and activities. Additionally, of NIAF has long served as a census partner, helping inform communities about the importance of accurate census data and their support of this initiative.

Accordingly, we want you to be informed about the upcoming census process. For any questions visit the 2010 U.S. Census Web site and stay informed at www.niaf.org. Or for questions about NIAF’s involvement with the census, contact John Strada, manager of Government Relations & Public Policy at 202-939-3121.

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Mark Your Calendars!

NIAF is offering the following special events in the coming month. Visit NIAF’s calendar to learn about more NIAF events near you!

NIAF Congressional Welcome Reception at the U.S. Capitol. Location: House Visitors Center HVC-201. Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m. By invitation only.
Contact : Johnny Strada
Phone: (202) 939-3121
E-mail : jstrada@niaf.org
Date: March 16

Il Circolo Gala with NIAF Sponsorship in Palm Beach, Fla. This event features NIAF Regional Vice President Robert Silvani as the Honorary Chair and will honor NIAF Vice Chair Hon. Louis Freeh as “Man of the Year.” Time: 6 p.m. cocktail reception, 7 p.m. gourmet dinner. Click here for more information.
Contact : Lexye Aversa
Phone: (561) 512-7333
Date: March 21

NIAF Council Dinner featuring the NIAF Institute for International Law with keynote speaker Hon. Louis Freeh, former FBI director. Location: Central New Jersey. Time: Reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
Contact : Rachel Salerno
Phone : (202) 939-3122
E-mail: rsalerno@niaf.org
Date: March 25

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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