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Miss New Jersey To be Honored at NIAF Youth Gala in Washington, DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org


 

** Celebrity Appearances at Gala Dinner, Networking, Conferences **

(WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 21, 2002) Alicia Renee Luciano, the New Jersey Miss America contestant, will be the Year 2002 honoree at the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) sixth annual youth gala, Saturday evening, October 26 at the Hilton Washington Towers in Washington, DC. The event is held in conjunction with the Foundation’s 27th Anniversary Awards Gala, and begins with a reception at 6 PM followed by dinner and dancing.

Miss Luciano recently gained national attention when she was the only contestant to be asked about her views on the controversial cable television series “The Sopranos.” She is being recognized by the Foundation for her achievements as Miss New Jersey and her positive comments concerning Italian Americans being portrayed negatively in the media during this year’s Miss America Pageant.

The NIAF Youth Gala will feature celebrity appearances and a simultaneous video transmission of the NIAF gala from the International Ballroom of the hotel. The weekend includes the gala as well as programs and conferences for young people (ages 30 and under) on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26.

The NIAF Youth Weekend begins with the conference “Children of the Greats,” stories by some of the most famous Italian Americans of the past including Scott Paterno, son of legendary Pennsylvania State football coach, Joe Paterno. Immediately following the conference, an Education Awards Luncheon will showcase several of the Foundation’s scholarship and grant recipients. Actor Michael Badalucco of ABC’s “The Practice” is the master of ceremonies.

On Saturday morning, October 26, the NIAF will host a youth networking breakfast followed by a youth conference from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the International Ballroom West on the Concourse level of the hotel. Later that afternoon, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is the featured speaker at the conference, “A New Perspective on Retaining Your Heritage” from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Georgetown Room. All lectures are free and open to the public.

At the Foundation’s 27th Anniversary Awards Gala, actress Sophia Loren and actor Robert De Niro, will be inducted into the Italian American Hall of Fame. Thomas D. (Tommy) Mottola, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. will receive a NIAF special achievement award. Celebrities joining the honorees include singer Tony Bennett and actors Ruth Buzzi of “Laugh In” and Doris Roberts of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Youth Gala dinner tickets are $100 per person and includes tickets to Friday night’s entertainment, “The Third Annual Salute to the Martini,” conferences and the Saturday night black tie (optional) gala. For more information, contact: Rich Santoro, manager of NIAF Youth Programs, at 202/939-3119202/939-3119 or e-mail: rich@niaf.org