FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF)  202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

NIAF HOSTS 8Th ANNUAL YOUTH RETREAT FOR YOUNG ITALIAN AMERICANS
** 40 University Students from Italy to Join Group**

(WASHINGTON, DC – July 10, 2001) “What it means to be a young Italian American in the 21st century” is the theme of the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) eighth annual NIAF Youth Retreat for young Italian Americans at the Holiday Inn, 21 Atwells Avenue in Providence on July 20-22, 2001.

This year, 40 Italian students who are participants in the Gift of Discovery: Learning Exchange, Italy and America will join the group to socialize with their Italian American counterparts and compare shared traditions.

The retreat brings together young adults ages 18 to 30 who share a common interest in Italy and Italian American issues for a weekend of cultural, educational and social activities.

The event begins on Friday, July 20, with a walking tour of Providence and an evening welcome reception and dinner hosted by Johnson and Wales Culinary School. NIAF Board Member Ronald W. Del Sesto, honorary vice consul of Italy in Rhode Island, and NIAF area coordinator for the state, will greet the attendees. Saturday begins with a discussion led by Giovanna Bellesia, an expert on Italian and Italian American culture, followed by a boat tour of the rivers of Providence and a multimedia downtown artistic display called WaterFire Providence. The retreat concludes with brunch followed by an ethnoconscious workshop.

The NIAF weekend is open to all Italian Americans and Italian enthusiasts. Come alone or bring a friend or relative who shares your enthusiasm for Italian culture. Dress is casual. The retreat package begins at $75 and can include two nights hotel, transportation to events, and meals. For reservations, Contact Rich Santoro at richard@niaf.org or 1/800-989-NIAF ext. 41.