FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

More than 3,000 guests from the United States and Italy will attend the National Italian American Foundation’s 36th Anniversary Convention and Gala on October 28 and 29, 2011, at the Washington Hilton in the nation’s capital. Maria Bartiromo, Emmy Award-winning journalist and a member of the NIAF Board of Directors, will serve as the gala’s mistress of ceremonies.

In keeping with our tradition of hosting the president of the United States, President Barack Obama has been invited to attend. Confirmed celebrities include Frankie Avalon, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Dana Brunetti, Giuliana DePandi-Rancic, Deana Martin, Joe Pantoliano and Mike Piazza. The President of Italy Hon. Giorgio Napolitano has been invited to join House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at the black-tie gala.

This year’s gala honorees include:
•Hon. Capri Cafaro, Minority Leader of the Ohio Senate •Dion DiMucci, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer •Hon. Frank J. Guarini, Former U.S. Congressman and NIAF Chairman Emeritus •Frank G. Mancuso Sr., Former Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio •Emma Marcegaglia, President of Confindustria •Paolo Scudieri, CEO of Adler Plastic S.p.A. •Hon. Santo Versace, President of Gianni Versace S.p.A. and Chairman of the Board of Fondazione Operation Smile Italia Onlus

During NIAF’s convention weekend, the Foundation will host Expo Italia, a two-day exhibition showcasing the best of Italy and an Auction Showcase. The convention will also feature conferences and seminars celebrating all things Italian. Tickets to Saturday’s black-tie gala begin at $400 per person. Proceeds benefit NIAF’s educational programs. For tickets or sponsor information, contact Jerry Jones at 202-387-0600 or jerry@niaf.org, or register online at www.niaf.org/gala.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent.