FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT:         2002 PHOENIX AWARDS GALA

SPONSOR:   The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHEN:         Saturday, May 11, 2002
6:30 P.M. Reception
7:30 P.M. Dinner and Dancing

WHERE:      The Ritz Carlton Hotel
24th Street and Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 468-0700

Two Italian Americans will be honored at the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) Fourth Annual Awards Gala in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, May 11, 2002. The honorees will receive the Year 2002 Special Achievement Awards in Community Service and Business, respectively.

The Year 2002 NIAF Honorees are:

• Daniel Cracchiolo, attorney and philanthropist
• Anne L. Mariucci, president, Del Webb

Honorary Dinner Chairman Jerry Colangelo, president and CEO of the Phoenix Suns , and NIAF Board Member, Ron Costello, NIAF area coordinator, and Anthony Bonacci, honorary vice consul to the Republic of Italy in Phoenix, will attend the event. Ms. Carla Consoli will chair the gala. Prominent local Italian Americans in business, entertainment and government are also expected to attend the dinner.

This year’s theme is An Evening in Venice and will feature a raffle, auction, entertainment, and dancing . A traditional Italian menu designed by Arizona restauranteur Tomaso Maggiore for the anticipated 400 attendees will be prepared by Ritz Carlton Executive Chef Robert Graham and his staff.
Dinner tickets are $200 per person. Attire: Black Tie. Proceeds to benefit the NIAF Scholarship Fund and Education Programs, The Sojourner Center and Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, Inc. To purchase tickets, call 602/ 364-7044.