FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHERE: The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, Calif. 90401

The NIAF West Coast Gala will recognize Hollywood greats, a Dodgers legend, a former public affairs icon and one of the nation’s top trial lawyers. The black-tie cocktail reception under the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, will be followed by dinner and an awards presentation in the Starlight Ballroom. Film and TV star, producer and director Joe Mantegna will be this year’s master of ceremonies.

The NIAF West Coast Gala Honorees:
•Dana Brunetti, Oscar nominated film producer, whose credits include “The Social Network,” will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business and Entertainment.
•Kara DioGuardi, Grammy nominated songwriter, record executive, music publisher, and former American Idol judge, will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Music.
•Jon Favreau, actor, screenwriter and director, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment.
•Thomas V. Girardi, prominent California trial lawyer, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Law.
•Tommy Lasorda, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Dodgers great, will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Management.
•Gary Sinise, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Entertainment.

One of the highlights of the gala is a special tribute honoring the late Joseph R. Cerrell, one of the Foundation’s leaders and a legendary Los Angeles public affairs consultant.

Joining the honorees will be Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine; stage, actor, screenwriter and producer Marco Bonini; actor Robert Davi; TV and film star Lou Ferrigno; actor Francesco Quinn; twelve-time MLB All-Star Mike Piazza; E! News Anchor and Managing Editor and member of the NIAF Board of Directors Giuliana DePandi Rancic; actor and model Antonio Sabato, Jr.; and TV and film star Brenda Vaccaro. Actor and singer Franc D’Ambrosio, of “Phantom of the Opera,” will sing the U.S. and Italian national anthems and entertain guests with his vast repertoire of songs.

Tickets begin at $250 per person. For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Jerry Jones at 202-939-3102 or jerry@niaf.org. Visit www.niaf.org/westcoastgala.

Media Contacts: Elissa Ruffino at 202-939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org
Natasha Borato at 202-939-3116 or natasha@niaf.org

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