FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Miami’s business entrepreneurs, prominent judges, commerce executives, notable Italian, Italian American and Latin community leaders and local journalists gathered at a private reception to kick off the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) upcoming Ambassador’s Ball, introduce the honorees and salute the Ball’s Host Committee. The February 1 reception was hosted by Arthur J. Furia, Esq., NIAF regional vice president for the southeast and partner at the law firm of Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, and was sponsored by the Conrad Miami.

Arthur J. Furia, Esq., NIAF regional vice president for the southeast, Joseph Natoli, senior vice president and CFO for the University of Miami, and Guido Corso, president of RAI Corporation.

“Tonight marks the kick-off of the first-ever Ambassador’s Ball in Florida, which will mesh ‘La Dolce Vita’ with ‘La Vida Loca’ on April 4, 2008 oceanfront at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood,” Furia said. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of the Italian American experience.”

The honorees are Joseph C. Amaturo, general partner with Amaturo Group, Ltd., Joseph Natoli, senior vice president and CFO for the University of Miami, Frank R. Nero, president and CEO of the Beacon Council, Camillo Ricordi, M.D., scientific director of the Diabetes Research Institute of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, John F. Scarpa, co-founder of American Cellular Network Corporation, and Paolo Zegna, president of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group.

During the reception more than 200 guests enjoyed the vistas of Miami’s skyline and Biscayne Bay at the hotel’s upscale “Level 25.” The Conrad’s General Manager Richard Thrailkill was on hand to greet the guests, who enjoyed delicious specialties prepared by the hotel’s executive chef Michael Gilligan. NIAF’s president Salvatore J. Zizza spoke about the Foundation’s educational and cultural programs that are funded by generous contributions to upcoming events such as the April 4 black-tie event in Florida. Italian pop star Patrizio Buanne serenaded the guests with a rendition of one of Naples’ favorite melodies. To close the evening, Furia called the honorees to the podium and presented each with a gift.

Salvatore J. Zizza, NIAF president, with Joe Connolly of The Wall Street Journal Business Report.