FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

(WASHINGTON, D.C.—APRIL 10, 2007) Famed actress Gina Lollobrigida will present a scholarship in her name to an Italian-American student at the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) East Coast Gala on April 16 at the Marriott New York Marquis in Times Square. The fund-raising event for the Foundation’s scholarship and education programs will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by an awards program and dinner.

Anthony M. Aiello of Brooklyn, New York, is the recipient of the 2007 Gina Lollobrigida Scholarship . A theater major and a junior at New York University, Aiello is minoring in broadcast journalism with the goal of becoming an entertainment reporter or casting director. Aiello is a member of the New York University Tisch Scholars Program and has received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in addition to the American Theatre Wing Acting Award. He serves as treasurer of New York University’s Italian Club and Tisch Undergraduate Student Council.

“My Italian-American heritage has contributed to and molded me into the compassionate, loving, hard-working, and dedicated 20-year-old student I am today,” Aiello said.

During the awards gala, NIAF will also honor the following business leaders: John G. Giumarra Jr., vice president of Giumarra Vineyards Corporation; Mark Juliano, COO of Trump Entertainment and Resorts; Paul M. Montrone, chairman of Latona Associates; and Peter J. Striano, chairman and CEO of Unity International Group.

Donald Trump will present a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business to Juliano. Giumarra and Striano will also receive NIAF Special Achievement Awards in Business. Montrone will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award for Humanitarian Service.

Yankee Hall of Famer Yogi Berra and actor Danny Aiello in addition to prominent Italian-American business and community leaders, will attend the gala. Fox News Channel anchor and correspondent Jamie Colby will serve as master of ceremonies.

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. To learn about our programs and events, visit www.niaf.org.