FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

EVENT: NIAF 2005 GALA CONVENTION CONFERENCES

WHERE: The Hilton Washington & Towers, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW

NIAF will host its 30th Anniversary Awards Gala on Saturday, October 15 at The Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C. The gala concludes the Foundation’s two-day convention (October 14 & 15) which includes the following conferences. All conferences are free and open to the public.

Friday, October 14, 2005

• Cities of Art and Agricultural Tourism, presented by Italy Italy Magazine, Lincoln East, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Winning the Cold War: Italy’s Forgotten Role, a book presentation by Ambassador Richard N. Gardner, Lincoln East, 11:30 AM – Noon
• Luncheon highlighting the Foundation’s programs, NIAF Teacher of the Year presentation, Int’l Ballroom East, Noon – 2:30 PM Cost: $50.00
• Italian Americans in Sports, co-sponsored by the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, 10:30 AM – Noon, Lincoln West, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• Screening of Uncle Nino, starring Joe Mantegna, NIAF celebrity spokesperson and actor Pierrino Mascarino, Lincoln West, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Wine Tasting, Georgetown Room, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturday, October 15, 2005

• Youth Networking Breakfast, Conservatory, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM NIAF Council 2000 Continental Breakfast with espresso and cappuccino, Georgetown Room, 9:00 AM -11:00 AM (Open to all convention participants)
• Celebrity Auction and Luncheon, Int’l Ballroom, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cost: $55.00
• Screening of Sophia Loren’s film Francesco e Nunziata, Georgetown Room, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

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