MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT: THE 13th ANNUAL NIAF YOUTH RETREAT

SPONSOR: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHEN: Friday, August 4, 2006 welcome dinner at 7 p.m.
Conference held Saturday, August 5 – Sunday, August 6, 2006

WHERE: Sheraton Society Hill
One Dock Street (Between 2nd and Walnut Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Program Contact: Brock Olivo, 202/939-3107 or bolivo@niaf.org

Bring a friend or relative who shares your love of Italian culture or come alone to the 13th AnnualNational Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Youth Retreat for Italian Americans and Italian enthusiasts. The NIAF retreat will be held August 4 through 6 at the Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia, Penn. It is a weekend to discuss, reflect, and celebrate what it means to be of Italian American heritage.

The NIAF retreat brings together young adults, ages 18 to 32, who share a common interest in Italy and Italian American issues, for a weekend of cultural, educational, and social activities.

A welcome dinner will be held Friday evening at 7 p.m., August 4. On Saturday, participants will listen to a presentation by Italian American historian Paul Procelli and Bella Consultants, experts on tracing your Italian roots and obtaining Italian citizenship. On Sunday morning, historian Louise Cianfero Simpson will give a “Chef’s Tour of the Philadelphia Italian Market,” which will include samplings of homemade sausages, cheeses and Italian pastries.

Retreat packages range from $100 (non-hotel package) to $135 – $235 (for hotel packages) and can include two nights hotel, transportation to events, and meals. For reservations, contact Brock Olivo at bolivo@niaf.org or call 202/ 939-3107 before August 3, 2006.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non profit organization, based in Washington, D.C., and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit our Web site, www.niaf.org