49th Anniversary D.C. Gala Weekend - The National Italian American Foundation

About the Gala

Saturday, October 26, 2024
5:30 pm Reception | 7:00 pm Dinner Awards Program | 10:00 pm After Party
Black-Tie or Military Dress Uniform
OMNI Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.

To celebrate the great legacy that unites us and all the objectives achieved so far, NIAF organizes its Anniversary Washington, D.C. Gala every autumn inviting the President of the United States; figureheads from the political, financial and cultural arenas; illustrious Italian Americans; and about 1,000 guests from the United States and Italy. On this occasion, the Foundation awards honors to eminent Italian and Italian American personalities, who have distinguished themselves in their professional or civic role. Previous NIAF honorees include Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea & Veronica Bocelli, Joe Di Maggio, Sophia Loren, Roberto Benigni, Al Pacino, Leonardo di Caprio, Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Cage, Danny DeVito, Sylvester Stallone, Stanley Tucci, Aurelio & Giada De Laurentiis, Miuccia Prada, Massimo Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Gianni & Santo Versace, Paola Fendi, Susan & Giovanni Agnelli, Giuseppe Lavazza, Lee Iacocca, Stefano Domenicali, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Leon Panetta, Justice Antonin Scalia and other notables in business, sports, entertainment and politics.

Watch Last Year's Gala Recap!

CELEBRATE THE REGION OF FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA WITH US

Each year, NIAF partners with one of Italy’s 20 regions to showcase its history, landmarks, natural resources, artisans, industries, cuisine, and culture, in an effort to promote tourism and economic development, as well as to highlight the region’s businesses and entrepreneurs on the international stage. NIAF is excited to celebrate the 2024 Region of Honor Friuli Venezia Giulia. Learn More >>

Masters of Ceremonies

The gala is co-hosted annually by Maria Bartiromo, Anchor and Global Markets Editor for FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel (Read More) and Joe Piscopo Entertainer, Actor and Radio Host (Read More)

Performances By

Christopher Macchio
Lyric Tenor and Classical Recording Artist
(Learn More)

Honorees


Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D.	Carlo Cimbri	Admiral Lisa Franchetti
NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Health and Science Director National Institute of Health (view bio)	NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact Chairman, Unipol Gruppo S.p.A. and of UnipolSai (view bio)	NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Military Service United States Navy Chief of Naval Operations (view bio)


Carlo Messina	The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo	Kevin McCarthy
NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Business Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Intesa Sanpaolo (view bio)	NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Public Service (view bio)	NIAF Leonardo da Vinci Award in Public Service 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (view bio)

Funds raised at the NIAF Gala go directly to support NIAF’s mission and educational programs by:

Granting over one million dollars in scholarships and grants every year to deserving students nationwide.
Preserving the Italian American heritage and culture.
Promoting and inspiring a positive image and legacy of Italian Americans.
Strengthening and empowering ties between the United States and Italy.
Heritage travel and mentoring to prepare individuals to assume their roles as future leaders.
Continuing to work closely with the Italian American Congressional Delegation.