FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR | NIAF
202-939-3116 (o)
gmileti@niaf.org

(Washington, D.C. – October 13, 2023) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is honored to announce First Lady Jill Biden will attend its 48th Anniversary Gala on October 14th in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.  Dr. Biden is the first Italian American First Lady, with Sicilian roots tracing back to her great-grandfather Gaetano Giacoppa.

“We are honored to host First Lady Jill Biden at our marquee event celebrating Italian culture,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “Her participation highlights the important contributions Italian Americans have made to the fabric of America.”

The evening will celebrate renowned Italians and Italian Americans across industries. Honorees include Gerry Cardinale, Founder and Managing Partner of RedBird Capital Partners; Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1^©; Veronica Berti Bocelli, CEO of Almud Music Editions and Vice Chair of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation; legendary musician and songwriter Neil Giraldo; and Dr. Sara Farnetti, acclaimed medical doctor and scientist.

Anchor and Global Markets Editor for FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel Maria Bartiromo and beloved entertainer Joe Piscopo will emcee the Gala dinner.  Special guests include Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content at The Walt Disney Company, iconic race car driver Mario Andretti, Italian actress Cristiana d’Anna and Grace Nelson of the National Prayer Breakfast.

The evening will also honor the hundredth anniversary of the Italian Air Force with an appearance by Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force Lieutenant General Luca Goretti and a special performance by the Italian Air Force Band.

Earlier in the day, NIAF will host free seminars as part of the NIAF Forum focused on topics including the global Italian diaspora, transatlantic relations, Italian stereotypes, and a screening of a film about A.P. Giannini.

The Forum will also feature a special luncheon with Anita Bevacqua McBride, co-author of the first textbook on U.S. first ladies and former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush. Michael LaRosa, former Press Secretary to the First Lady Jill Biden, will moderate a discussion of the new book, U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies, which includes a forward by Dr. Biden.

Proceeds allow NIAF to provide impactful educational, cultural, and youth programs.  See the NIAF website for the full schedule of seminars and events.

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About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.