FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

WHEN:
Friday, October 25, 2013 8 p.m. Vegas-Style Night, Live and Silent Auction, Evening Entertainment

Saturday, October 26, 2013 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Events; 6 p.m. Reception; 7 p.m. Dinner and Awards

WHERE:
Friday evening: The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Saturday: The Washington Hilton 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Join Emmy Award-winning journalist and CNBC Anchor Maria Bartiromo and comedian and actor best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” Joe Piscopo, who are co-hosting one of the largest black-tie galas in the nation’s capital. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is sponsoring its 38th Anniversary Gala Weekend culminating with its awards gala on Saturday evening at The Washington Hilton.

This year’s gala will be chaired by NIAF Vice Chairman Louis J. Freeh, former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and chairman of Pepper Hamilton LLP and Freeh Group Int’l Solutions. Guests from cities across the United States and Italy will attend the gala and weekend special events including the popular NIAF After Hours Celebration.

This year’s gala honorees include:

Diana Bracco, CEO and President of Bracco S.p.A.

Roberto Colaninno, Chairman and CEO of Piaggio & C. S.p.A.

Louis Donatelli, Founder and Chairman of Donatelli Development Inc.

George Randazzo, Founder and Chairman of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago

To kick off the gala weekend on Friday evening, October 25, 2013, NIAF will host the Foundation’s first-ever Vegas- Style Evening in the atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building. Casino tables, the ever popular live and silent auction with exclusive auction packages, along with an open bar, hors d’oeuvre stations and dancing to music of the renowned Radio King Orchestra, will begin at 8 p.m.

Saturday highlights include a networking breakfast; a special screening of “Carnera: The Walking Mountain”; a sit-down Wine Tasting and Luncheon, featuring a selection of wines throughout Italy, including NIAF’s 2013 Region of Honor, Campania.

Tickets to Saturday’s black-tie gala begin at $350 per person (members), $400 per person (non-members). Proceeds benefit NIAF’s educational programs. For tickets or sponsor information, contact Jerry Jones at 202-387-0600 or jerry@niaf.org, or register online at www.niaf.org/gala.

Reserve a room in special discounted NIAF room block at the Washington Hilton at www.niaf.org/hilton.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent. Visit www.niaf.org.