FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

(WASHINGTON, DC— April 3, 2006) Isabella Rossellini will present a National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) scholarship during the Foundation’s annual East Coast Gala on Tuesday, April 18 at The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. The gala begins with a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. followed by dinner.

NIAF scholarship recipient Ethan Angelica of Minneapolis, Minn., a senior at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, will receive the NIAF award. Angelica is majoring in drama and minoring in Middle Eastern studies.

Isabella Rossellini will be joined by actors Alan Alda, Danny Aiello, Dennis Farina, and Tony Lo Bianco, along with sports greats Yogi Berra and Mario Andretti, and Italian couture designer Renato Balestra.

NIAF will salute Hollywood’s best and prominent industry leaders for their outstanding leadership in business, government, sports, and entertainment at the awards dinner. Actor Alan Alda will be inducted into the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Hall of Fame by Jack Valenti, former president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Legendary racer and winemaker Mario Andretti will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports. Joseph M. Boitano, senior vice president and general merchandise manager at Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business. Rocco B. Commisso, chairman and CEO of Mediacom Communications Corporation, will receive the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award. LTG Raymond Odierno of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is best known for commanding the division that captured Saddam Hussein, will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award for Military Service.

The gala is chaired by Frank Petrilli, president and CEO of Nexxar Group Inc. Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo will perform selections from his self-titled CD during the event.

The gala will benefit NIAF scholarship and education programs. Attire: Business. For ticket information, contact Bonni Cellini at 202/939-3114 or bonni@niaf.org or visit www.niaf.org

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. To learn about our programs/events, visit www.niaf.org