FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

(WASHINGTON, DC –October 13, 2004) Carmella LaSpada, director of The White House Commission on Remembrance and founder of No Greater Love, will receive the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Special Achievement Award in Humanitarian Service. Presenting the NIAF Award to LaSpada is Major General Raymond T. Odierno, United States Army.

NIAF’s 29th Anniversary Awards Gala is Saturday evening, October 16 at the Hilton Washington & Towers, Washington, D.C. The gala begins with a 6 PM reception followed by dinner at 7 PM.

Odierno served as the commander of the 4th Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Army unit found Saddam Hussein last December. LaSpada has arranged for wounded troops, Special Operation Forces and families of casualties to join her that evening.

The NIAF Gala is one of the premier annual events in Washington, D.C. attracting more than 3,000 people from throughout the country and abroad. The NIAF gala has been traditionally attended by the presidential candidates, members of the Italian American Congressional Delegation and Italian American leaders in business, sports, government, entertainment and the arts.

Luciano Pavarotti, legendary tenor, will be inducted into the NIAF Italian American Hall of Fame in Music and Tim McGraw, Grammy Award-winning country music star, will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Music. McGraw will be accompanied by his wife, singer Faith Hill. Joseph J. Plumeri, chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings Ltd., will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business.

Popular entertainer Tony Danza is the master of ceremonies. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, singer Jo Dee Messina, NFL legend Franco Harris, actors Danny Aiello and Giancarlo Giannini will be joined by comedian Fred Travalena at the NIAF gala.

For tickets or sponsor information, contact: Bonni Cellini at 202/939-3114 or bonni@niaf.org or register on-line at www.niaf.org .

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit: www.niaf.org