Register today for NIAF’s 33rd Anniversary Gala
Join us as we celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). NIAF’s Convention Weekend and 33rd Anniversary Gala, which will be held October 17-18, 2008 at the Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C., promises to be the best in the history of our organization.
As you know, the NIAF annual anniversary celebration is part of a two-day convention in the nation’s capital featuring special receptions, entertainment and conferences. Highlights from this year’s convention and gala weekend include:
Piazza d’Italia, a two-day Best of Italy exposition, held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, October 17 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 18.
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A variety of interesting conferences, including “The Presidential Candidates’ Perspectives on the Future of Healthcare in America” on Friday, October 17 from 2:30-4 p.m. in addition to “Energy: American’s Challenge of the 21st Century” and “From Dante to Benigni: Italian Language and Culture in America’s Schools,” both held on Saturday, October 18 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
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NIAF’s annual “Salute to the Martini” on Friday, October 17 featuring surprise entertainment.
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An NCN Ambassador and Youth Networking Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18.
If you were with us in last year, you joined some notable friends including: former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Ellen Pompeo of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” Connie Stevens, Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, Yogi Berra, Dion, Gina Lollobrigida, General Peter Pace, Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito Jr., Susan Lucci, Tony LoBianco, Dick Vermeil, Vince Papale, Jerry Vale and Maria Bartiromo. This year’s attendees, which are expected to include the current U.S. presidential candidates, will be announced shortly. Additionally, the convention weekend will be attended by a variety of NIAF-affiliated Italian American groups, including the National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA) and UNICO National .
Your participation guarantees that NIAF will continue to help our young people with their higher education, mentor programs, youth retreats and other efforts to instill a sense of pride in their wonderful heritage. You will also be supporting our Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery student program in Italy and our Students to Leaders program helping young Italian Americans develop effective leadership skills.
Your registration for the October NIAF Gala will ensure your attendance at one of the premier annual events in the nation. If your plans change, you may cancel your reservation up to 10 days prior to the dinner with a full refund.
Register for your seats online today!
Additionally, book your room today as part of NIAF’s special room block at the Hilton Washington & Towers. For more information about the NIAF gala, please visit www.niaf.org/events/gala_2008.asp.
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Destination: Calabria
It’s not too late to book a trip to the Region of Calabria through NIAF’s latest Heritage Tour. This nine-day, seven-night tour departs New York City to visit the cities of Altomonte, Capo Vaticano, Catanzaro, Crotone, Gerace, Locri, Paola, Pizzo Calabro, Reggio Calabria, Tropea, and Vibo Valentia.
Costs range from $1,899 to $2,449 per person, based on double occupancy and month of departure. Participants may choose from 25 departure dates ranging from September 15, 2008 through June 15, 2009.
For more information and a registration form, click here.
For a brochure and reservation form, write to Italy Travel, c/o Unitours, 3010 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY 10557. Call toll-free at 888-846-6423 or 914-253-9177, fax to 914-253-9001, or e-mail Marianna Pisano at mpisano@unitours.com.
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NIAF to present scholarship in Mario Batali’s name
Please join us as NIAF presents its first scholarship in chef Mario Batali’s name to an outstanding Italian American student studying the culinary arts.
The wine tasting and food event will include some of Mario’s celebrity friends and takes place in New York City on October 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Tiro a Segno, a private Italian American club in the city. Business attire is requested.
The cost is $150 per person. To reserve a place, please mail the registration form to NIAF at 1860 19th Street NW, Washington DC 20015 or fax to (202) 387-7633.
For more information please contact Kristi Pappalardo at kristina@niaf.org.
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NIAF Women’s Forum moves ahead in nonprofit endeavors
 On July 16, NIAF Mid Atlantic Vice President Nancy Chistolini met with more than 20 female council members at the Foundation’s headquarters to discuss upcoming initiatives.
Topics discussed included a planned holiday project in which NIAF will work with Childhelp to donate 25 gifts to at-risk children, and a proposal to provide the Italian Welfare League with names of medically and financially-challenged Italian American children.
Formerly billed as a “No Agenda” event, the NIAF Women’s Forum has evolved into an open dialogue among female council members in the metropolitan Washington area regarding specific nonprofit endeavors.
For more information about the NIAF Women’s Forum, contact Elissa Ruffino at 202-939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org.
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“Connecticut Got Talent” to showcase young vocalists
On September 6, the Sergio Franchi Music Foundation will host its 15th annual concert, “Connecticut Got Talent,” at the Franchi estate. The concert will feature the most talented young tenors and sopranos, featuring a 42-piece symphony orchestra conducted by Maestro Jeff Domoto.
Hosted by NIAF Board Member Eva Franchi, wife of singing legend Sergio Franchi, the concert will include performances by international heartthrob Alfio, soprano Georgia Fumanti from Tuscany, and tenor Mario Frangoulis from Greece. Other special guests include Matthew Lord, John Wilkerson, and Alex Bumpas, members of the Las Vegas-based 3 Red Neck Tenors.
The Sergio Franchi Foundation has gifted more than 400 scholarships to young tenors and sopranos across the globe. The Foundation operates under the National Italian American Foundation.
To purchase tickets, call 860-535-9429 or visit www.sergiofranchi.com.
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NIAF offers Wall of Honor plaques
 NIAF is pleased to announce there are still opportunities available to purchase a plaque on the Italian American Wall of Honor.
As a part of the grand entry at NIAF’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Italian American Wall of Honor serves as the only designated tribute in the nation's capital to Italian Americans.
You can participate by recognizing parents, grandparents, loved ones, or simply your family name. Each Wall of Honor contributor will receive an engraved brass plate on the Wall, an official certificate recognizing your contribution, and acknowledgment in the NIAF 33rd Anniversary Gala Journal, which will be published in October 2008.
Your contribution is tax-deductible and all proceeds benefit NIAF education and scholarship funds as well as other important programs.
To participate, click here to download the “Wall of Honor” form. For more information, contact Rebecca Bartello at 202-669-5824 or rebecca@niaf.org. You can also learn more about the National Italian American Foundation by visiting www.niaf.org
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NIAF launches Bequest Recognition Society
NIAF is pleased to introduce a program tailored especially for our constituents interested in estate planning. Among our many philanthropic giving opportunities, the NIAF Gift for Tomorrow Bequest Recognition Society provides our supporters with the opportunity to be among a select group who wish to recognize NIAF in their estate, while giving NIAF the opportunity to recognize their generosity.
There is no cost to become a member and no minimum pledge required. Your Bequest Recognition Society membership will remain completely confidential if you prefer and is non-binding should your estate plans change. All we ask is that you complete an application to inform NIAF of your estate intentions.
In return, NIAF will provide you with recognition, invite you and a guest to private society events and receptions, and provide honorable mention listing you as a society member in our gala journal, newsletters and publications.
For more information about the NIAF Bequest Recognition Society, contact Michael J. Sanzi at 202-939-3105 or michael@niaf.org.
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Voyage of Discovery Challenge Grant Drive
During NIAF’s 32nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Peter F. Secchia announced a “Challenge Grant” – a two-to-one matching drive in cooperation with NIAF Board Member Perpetuus Lee Rizzuto – to raise money for the Foundation’s Voyage of Discovery Program.
The program, which is named in Secchia’s honor, provides college students with the rare opportunity to strengthen their Italian American identity through immersion in Italy’s culture and countryside. This all-expenses-paid program includes round-trip airfare between the United States and Italy in addition to 10 days of educational programs.
NIAF’s Challenge Grant Drive will ensure that the Voyage of Discovery Program continues in perpetuity. We ask for your support.
For more information, contact Michael J. Sanzi at 202-939-3105 or michael@niaf.org.
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NIAF e-Newsletter compiled by Christine Conforti
and edited
by Monica Soladay.
enews@niaf.org
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