FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

EVENT: LA FESTA DI COLORI E GIARDINI, A Celebration of Color in the Garden

WHERE: George Washington Historic River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Dr.
Alexandria, Va. 22308

The American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) 12th Annual Gala , “La Festa di Colori e Giardini, A Celebration of Color in the Garden,” will celebrate the enduring Italian influence on American gardens. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is co-sponsoring the event, which will be held Saturday, September 24 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at George Washington Historic River Farm in Alexandria, Va.

Italy’s ambassador to the United States, Honorable Sergio Vento, will serve as the gala’s honorary chair. “Gardens are something many cultures have in common, and I believe it is a great compliment when one style can influence and enhance another as Italian design has done for American gardens,” Ambassador Vento said. Ambassador Vento will be joined by honorary hosts U.S. SenatorGeorge Allen and his wife Susan Allen.

All proceeds from the Gala benefit River Farm, one of George Washington’s original farms on the Potomac River, and the educational programs of the American Horticultural Society. Advance reservations only. Tables for 10 are available. Attire: Black tie. For more information about the Gala, please contact Trish Gibson at 703/768-5700 ext. 114 or tgibson@ahs.orgtgibson@ahs.org.

The American Horticultural Society (AHS), founded in 1922, is an educational, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture. One of the oldest and most prestigious gardening organizations, AHS is dedicated to making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens. Its mission is to open the eyes of all Americans to the vital connection between people and plants, to inspire all Americans to become responsible caretakers of the Earth, to celebrate America’s diversity through the art and science of horticulture; and to lead this effort by sharing the Society’s unique national resources with all Americans.

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 our website at: www.niaf.org