FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT:         NIAF EAST COAST AWARDS GALA

SPONSOR:       The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHEN:         Thursday, May 30, 2002
6:00 PM Reception followed by Dinner at 7:00 PM

WHERE:      The Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York City
212/586-7000

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is hosting its second East Coast Gala in New York City, which is a fund raiser for its scholarship and education programs.

Actors Danny Aiello, Michael Badalucco, Vic Damone & Stanley Tucci will present NIAF scholarships in their names to young Italian American students at the gala.
The NIAF will salute the following prominent industry leaders as this year’s honorees:

Frank Grazioso, attorney-at-law & former NIAF general counsel Tony Matarazzo, president of CWA Local # 1109, Brooklyn Bill Parrett, managing partner, Deloitte & Touche Frank Pellegrino, co-owner, Rao’s Restaurant Frank Petrilli, president & COO, TD Waterhouse The Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Ron Insana, co-anchor CNBC Business Center.
	Frank Pellegrino co-owner Rao’s Restaurant

Dinner tickets are $250.00 per person. Attire: Black Tie.
To purchase, contact: Michael Sanzi at 202/387-0600 or michael@niaf.org