FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHERE: The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, Calif. 90401

Hollywood stars, a Dodgers legend, a former public affairs icon and one of the nation’s top trial lawyers are coming out to shine at NIAF’s West Coast Gala. During the black-tie dinner, a live auction showcase will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience — lunch with Grammy nominated songwriter and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi and three of your closest friends in Los Angeles. Visit www.niaf.org/bid for more details. The NIAF West Coast Gala Honorees:
• Dana Brunetti, Oscar nominated film producer of “The Social Network,” will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and Entertainment.
• Kara DioGuardi, Grammy nominated songwriter, record executive, music publisher, author and former American Idol judge, will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Music.
• Jon Favreau, actor, screenwriter and director, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment.
• Thomas V. Girardi, prominent California trial lawyer, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Law. • Tommy Lasorda, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Dodgers great, will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Management.
• Gary Sinise, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment.

One of the highlights of the gala is a special tribute honoring the late Joseph R. Cerrell, one of the Foundation’s leaders and a legendary Los Angeles public affairs consultant. Film and TV star Joe Mantegna will be this year’s master of ceremonies.

Joining the honorees will be Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine; champion Olympic figure skater and Food Network TV chef Brian Boitano; actor, screenwriter and producer Marco Bonini; actor Robert Davi; TV and film star of “The Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno; one of the famed Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas; actor Francesco Quinn; twelve-time MLB All-Star Mike Piazza; E! News anchor and managing editor and member of the NIAF Board of Directors Giuliana DePandi Rancic; actor and model Antonio Sabato, Jr.; TV and film star Brenda Vaccaro.

Tickets begin at $250 per person. For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Jerry Jones at 202-939-3102 or jerry@niaf.org. Visit www.niaf.org/westcoastgala.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.