NIAF 49th Anniversary Gala in Review

NIAF’s 49th Anniversary Gala was a magnificent celebration of Italian American excellence and cultural heritage, bringing together over 1,000 distinguished guests at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The star-studded event honored remarkable individuals across various fields with the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Award, including NIH Director Monica M. Bertagnolli, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, Kevin McCarthy, Carlo Cimbri and Carlo Messina, while featuring special performances by Christopher Macchio and Pierpaolo Foti. In a display of the deep connections between Italy and the United States, the gala showcased Friuli Venezia Giulia as the 2024 Region of Honor, treating guests to an exquisite culinary journey through the region’s gastronomic traditions, while diplomats from both nations, including U.S. Ambassador to Italy Jack Markell and Italian Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, celebrated alongside notable figures from entertainment, business, and politics.