2024 NIAF Philadelphia Testimonial Dinner

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) proudly held its fourth annual Philadelphia Testimonial Dinner on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the historic Union League of Philadelphia to pay tribute to Dr. Joseph G. Cacchione MD, FACC, CEO of Jefferson with the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare.

The event was held in the Lincoln Hall and commenced with a cocktail reception hosted by Gary & Monique Silvi followed by the dinner awards program. The evening was made possible thanks to generous support the NIAF Chairman Emeritus and Philadelphia Gala Chair, Joseph Del Raso and NIAF Board Members (Hon. Frank Giordano, Hon. Dan DiLella, Anthony DiSandro, John Silvestri, Dino Petrongolo, Peter Arduini, Frank Mattei, Nick Sinatra, Joseph Gulino) and sponsors including Jefferson, Carmichael Lynch, Jim & Mary Jo Danella, Labcorp, Solis Mammography, GE Healthcare, KPMG LLP, Troutman Pepper, Pennoni, Stevens & Lee, AP Construction, and Sinatra & Company.

The program began with the video presentation depicting NIAF’s mission to celebrate and advance the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of the Italian culture and presence in America and to strengthen and empower ties between the United States and Italy.  This moving video was followed by the guests rising for the Italian National Anthem and the American Anthem sung acapella by Maestro Louis Scaglione.

As the Master of Ceremonies, Del Raso welcomed everyone by remarking “Collectively, our sponsors and all of you who have chosen to be in attendance this evening allow us to advance many of our noteworthy programs of the Foundation.”  Del Raso invited Lauren Christy, an alumnus of The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program to the stage to convey how the enriching 14-day journey and educational expedition through NIAF’s Region of Honor, makes an everlasting impact on the participants and the impact the supporters have on the program.  “Through the Voyage, I not only had the opportunity to explore my heritage and the beautiful region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, but myself as well.  Please know your support truly changes lives,” said Christy.

After a round of applause, guests enjoyed their four-course dinner including a mixed green salad, cavatelli cacio pepe, and slowed-cooked veal osso buco served with wines (Vermeil XXXIV Red Blend Napa Valley, CA 2018 and Yount Mill Vineyard, Mason Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA  2022) sponsored by the Del Raso family, and a decadent coffee hazelnut torte dessert.  Once the program resumed, NIAF’s Board Member, the Hon. Dan DiLella conducted a lively auction featuring coveted items including experiences with the Philadelphia Eagles; a Nero Lifestyle luxury hotel stay in Piedmont, Italy; and a foursome to play in the inaugural NIAF Los Angeles Celebrity Golf Classic, all of which benefit the NIAF Education & Scholarship Fund.

The highlight of the evening was the honoree award presentation by NIAF Board Member, John Silvestri to Dr. Cacchione by bestowing upon him the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions in healthcare.  Silvestri expressed that this event is important to Italian Americans because it represents all that they have accomplished and contributed to the United States as well as to Philadelphia. “It gives me great pleasure on behalf of NIAF to award the Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare to Dr. Joseph Cacchione,” said Silvestri.  Dr. Cacchione took the stage to accept his custom Roman Goddess in golden bronze award designed by famed Italian sculptor, Dante Moret and remarked “As a proud Italian American this award holds a special place in my heart.”  Raised in the Little Italy neighborhood of Erie, Pennsylvania, Cacchione noted that his success stems from his hardworking family values and strong sense of community growing up. “This is a very special night for me as an Italian American and I thank my family, my Jefferson team and sponsors, for all their support and I applaud NIAF for all their great work,” said Cacchione.  The evening closed with a round of applause for Cacchione and Del Raso’s sincere appreciation to everyone for attending and an invitation to attend the 5^th Annual Testimonial Dinner.