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NIAF’s week in New York consists of events that celebrate Italian culture, promote Italian business and encourages the next generation by awarding a $100,000 donation to La Scuola d’Italia New York 

(New York, NY – April 18, 2024) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will return to Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with its annual New York Gala.

This year’s event will honor Monica Mandelli, Managing Director at KKR, Giuseppina Di Foggia, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Terna S.p.A. and Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress.  Among the many dignitaries coming from Italy to attend the gala will include Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Giorgio Mulé, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Italy’s parliament.

In addition to the esteemed honorees, the evening will celebrate the 2024 NIAF Region of Honor, Friuli Venezia Giulia.

NIAF Celebrity Ambassador, entertainer, and radio host Joe Piscopo will serve as the Gala’s Master of Ceremonies. Musical entertainment will be provided by acclaimed New York jazz and cabaret singer Vanessa Racci.

Proceeds from the New York Gala will benefit NIAF’s scholarship and grant programs, which provide crucial support for Italian American students, researchers, and cultural organizations nationwide.

“We look forward to gathering with our distinguished honorees, members, and supporters for a memorable evening that celebrates Italian heritage,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “The New York Gala enables us to advance our mission and strengthen the Italian American community.”

During the evening, NIAF will award a $100,000 grant to La Scuola d’Italia New York to provide three scholarships per year for the next four years to incoming high school freshmen with Italian heritage that would like to pursue an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Italian Scientific High School Diploma at La Scuola d’Italia New York. Through this program, the students will become fully bilingual in English and Italian while studying Latin and exploring a wide variety of subject areas in line with the IB Diploma coursework and the Italian National High School requirements.

The Gala is one of the many events taking place throughout the week in New York City for NIAF. On April 17^th, NIAF announced the establishment of a strategic partnership with the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The two leading organizations representing the Italian American and Italian Canadian communities formalized their partnership at the Italian Consulate in New York City.

In an effort to not only promote Italian culture, but Italian business, NIAF brings together top Italian companies with business professionals. The morning of the gala, NIAF will conduct a Business Roundtable as an opportunity to highlight the innovative companies of this year’s Region of Honor, Friuli Venezia Giulia.

For over 45 years, NIAF’s Galas have brought together leaders in business, academia, government, and entertainment to honor the achievements of exceptional Italians and Italian Americans.

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About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.