FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF)  202/939-3106202/939-3106 202/939-3106 or 202/939-3106 elissa@niaf.org

EVENT: GREATER NEW YORK GALA AWARDS DINNER

SPONSOR: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

CHAIR: Vincenzo Marra  NIAF regional vice president of the Greater New York Area

WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 2001  6:00 PM Reception followed by Dinner at 7:00 PM

WHERE: The Hilton New York 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY212/ 586-7000

The NIAF salutes the following prominent industry leaders:

• Hon. Arthur Gajarsa, United States Court of Appeals
• Ron Insana, CNBC anchor and host of “Street Signs”
• Elsa Klensch, fashion critic formerly of CNN
• Lawrence Mancino, vice president, the Communications Workers of America (AFL/CIO)
• Andrea Mantineo, publisher, America Oggi
• Peter Rizzo, president, Bergdorf Goodman

New York Stock Exchange Chairman & CEO and NIAF board member Richard A. Grasso, fashion designer Geoffrey Beene, and New York City Councilman Peter Vallone will be the presenters at the NIAF Greater New York Awards Gala Dinner. Prominent Italian Americans in business, entertainment and government are also expected to attend the event.

Dinner tickets are $250.00 per person. Attire: Black Tie. Proceeds to benefit the NIAF Scholarship Fund and Education Programs. To purchase, contact: Lisa Pitocco at 202/387-0600202/387-0600. 202/387-0600