NIAF New York Gala 2025 Recap

The National Italian American Foundation hosted its annual New York Gala on April 10, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street, celebrating NIAF’s 50th anniversary with the announcement of a historic partnership with Lega Serie A, making NIAF an official “Regional Partner” of Italy’s top professional soccer league in the United States. The evening honored outstanding Italian and Italian American leaders, including Claudio DeVellis, Carl E. Petrillo, Sal Paolantonio, and Marco Troncone, who received the NIAF Dea Roma Award, while Lorraine Grillo was presented with the Mario Cuomo Public Service Award by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The celebration featured performances by NY Jazz and Cabaret Singer Vanessa Racci and International Classical-Crossover Vocalist Christopher Macchio, with Joe Piscopo serving as Master of Ceremonies.