FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

Sponsor:   The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

When:   Saturday, May 11, 2002
6:30 P.M. Reception; 7:30 P.M. Dinner and Dancing

Where:   The Ritz Carlton Hotel
24th Street and Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 468-0700

Two Italian Americans will be honored at the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) Fourth Annual Awards Gala in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, May 11, 2002. The honorees will receive the Year 2002 Special Achievement Awards in Community Service and Business, respectively.

The Year 2002 NIAF Honorees are:

• Daniel Cracchiolo, attorney and philanthropist
• Anne Mariucci, executive vice president, Pulte Homes

Honorary Dinner Chairman Jerry Colangelo, president and CEO of the Phoenix Suns and NIAF Board Member, Ron Costello, NIAF area coordinator, and Anthony Bonacci, honorary vice consul to the Republic of Italy in Phoenix, will attend the event. Prominent local Italian Americans in business, entertainment and government are also expected to attend the event.

This year’s theme is An Evening in Venice and will feature a raffle, auction, entertainment and dancing. A traditional Italian menu for the anticipated 400 attendees will be prepared under the direction of Arizona restaurateur and chef, Tomaso Maggiore.

Dinner tickets are $200 per person. Attire: Black Tie. Proceeds to benefit the NIAF Scholarship Fund and Education Programs, The Sojourner Center and Boy’s and Girl’s Hope. To purchase, call 602/ 364-7044.