About the Gala

Saturday, October 18, 2025
5:30 p.m. Reception | 7:00 p.m. Gala Dinner | 10:00 p.m. After Party
Black-Tie and Decorations or Military Dress Uniform
Washington Hilton, Washington, D.C.

You are cordially invited to the most momentous celebration in NIAF’s history – our Golden Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C. This landmark 50th Anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the prestigious Washington Hilton, located at 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW. On this historic evening, we will honor distinguished Italian and Italian American leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to our community and nation, while commemorating half a century of NIAF’s dedication to preserving and promoting our cherished heritage. Join us for an unforgettable black-tie evening of elegance, featuring special surprise performances, distinguished guests from both sides of the Atlantic, and an exquisite dinner celebrating the finest in Italian cuisine and commemorating Lazio our 2025 Region of Honor. A portion of the proceeds from this milestone celebration will support the National Italian American Foundation’s vital educational and cultural programs for generations to come.

Watch Last Year's Gala Recap!

CELEBRATE THE REGION OF LAZIO WITH US

Each year, NIAF partners with one of Italy’s 20 regions to showcase its history, landmarks, natural resources, artisans, industries, cuisine, and culture, in an effort to promote tourism and economic development, as well as to highlight the region’s businesses and entrepreneurs on the international stage. NIAF is excited to celebrate the 2025 Region of Honor Lazio.

Learn More >>

 

 

Masters of Ceremonies
Maria Bartiromo Joe Piscopo
   

The gala is co-hosted annually by Maria Bartiromo, Anchor and Global Markets Editor for FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel (Read More) and Joe Piscopo Entertainer, Actor and Radio Host (Read More)

Italian & American National Anthems By

Christopher Macchio
International classical-crossover vocalist
(Read More)

Honorees
Maestro Andrea Bocelli  John Elkann
Tenor and Opera Legend
(Biography)
Chief Executive Officer of Exor N.V., Chairman of Ferrari N.V., and Chairman of Stellantis N.V.
(Biography)
NIAF Dea Roma Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award as a Global Business Leader
   
Doug Leone  Roberto Cingolani
Partner, Sequoia Capital
(Biography)
CEO & General Manager, Leonardo S.p.A.
(
Biography)
NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in International Business as a Global Venture Capital Leader NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Global Defense & Security Technology
   
 
Stefano Antonio Donnarumma Flavio Cattaneo
CEO & General Director of FS Italiane Group
(Biography)
CEO, Enel
(Biography)
NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award as a Leader in Engineering Excellence for National Growth & Sustainable Infrastructure NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Management Leadership
   
Katia Passerini, Ph.D.  Kamel Ghribi
President of Gonzaga University
(Biography)
President of GKSD and
Vice President of Gruppo San Donato
(Biography)
NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Academic Excellence NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Healthcare Innovation, Research and Management
   

Funds raised at the NIAF Gala go directly to support NIAF’s mission and educational programs by:

  • Granting over one million dollars in scholarships, grants and heritage travel every year.
  • Preserving the Italian American heritage and culture.
  • Promoting and inspiring a positive image and legacy of Italian Americans.
  • Strengthening and empowering ties between the United States and Italy.
  • Heritage travel and mentoring to prepare individuals to assume their roles as future leaders.
  • Continuing to work closely with the Italian American Congressional Delegation.

The gala is currently sold out.
We still welcome donations, tribute ads, and sponsorships that do not require gala seats.

If you wish to be added to the waiting list for seats or purchase a sponsorship without seats,
please email Jerry Jones at
jerry@niaf.org.

While the gala remains sold out in the hotel’s International Ballroom, guests who would still like to participate in the NIAF 50th Anniversary Gala can do so by enjoying their dinner, while watching the gala via live streaming in the hotel’s Jefferson Room located on the Concourse Level at a discounted rate of $750 per guest. All guests dining in the Jefferson room can still participate in both the Campari Aperitivo and the legendary NIAF After Hours Celebration both being held in the Columbia Ballroom.

Should you like to participate in the gala via the Jefferson Room opportunity please click below for tickets.

NIAF Region of Honor 2025

 

 

~ Paramount Sponsors ~

 

~ Honoree Sponsor ~

 

~ Presenting Sponsor ~

 

~ Title Sponsors ~

 

~ Diamond Sponsors ~

 

~ Media Partner ~

Unable to attend but would like to support NIAF Educational Programs