FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

EVENT: NIAF Ambassador’s Ball

SPONSOR: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHEN: Friday evening, April 4, 2008 7 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction 8 p.m. Dinner

WHERE: Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa 3555 South Ocean Drive Hollywood, Fla.

Eros Ramazzotti, one of Italy’s most popular singers and songwriters, will perform before more than 500 guests at the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Ambassador’s Ball. The event will be held at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa during the evening of April 4, 2008, and begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m., followed by an awards program and dinner.

During the black-tie Ball, Ramazotti will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Music. This year’s event is being hosted by Italy’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, and Mrs. Lila Castellaneta.

NIAF will also pay tribute to prominent individuals several, of whom are Florida residents. This year’s honorees include the Zegna Family, represented by Paolo Zegna, chairman of Ermenegildo Zegna Group. Paolo Zegna will accept a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Fashion on behalf of his family.

Florida resident honorees are Joseph C. Amaturo, general partner with Amaturo Group Ltd.; Joseph Natoli, senior vice president and chief financial officer for the University of Miami; Frank R. Nero, president and CEO of the Beacon Council; Camillo Ricordi, M.D., professor of surgery and bioengineering, and scientific director of the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine; and John F. Scarpa, co-founder of American Cellular Network Corporation.

This year’s master of ceremonies is Michele Gillen, chief investigative reporter with WFOR-TV, a CBS affiliate. She will be joined by notable Italian and Italian-American business executives, international celebrities, dignitaries and community leaders at NIAF Ambassador’s Ball.

Media Contact: Elissa Ruffino at 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org.

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