FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX, AZ (November 20, 2024) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will host its Regional Arizona Gala on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the new lifestyle hotel, Caesars Republic Scottsdale, with Rao’s Homemade as a presenting sponsor.

This elegant black-tie event, chaired by Pete Melucci, NIAF Regional Vice President – Phoenix, AZ & Las Vegas, NV, and NIAF Area Coordinators, Massimo Sommacampagna and Mike Farrar and will celebrate Italian American excellence in the region.

“This celebration exemplifies the vibrant spirit and achievements of our Italian American community,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. “We are proud to recognize these outstanding individuals who continue to make significant contributions to their fields and community.”

NIAF will present the 2025 NIAF Honoree Award to Salvatore Anthony “Torey” Lovullo, the current manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A former professional baseball infielder and respected MLB manager, Lovullo has been at the helm of the Diamondbacks since 2017 and is the longest-tenured and winningest manager in franchise history. In his first season at the helm, Lovullo led the D-backs to the National League Wild Card game, earning him National League Manager of the Year honors. In 2023, he guided the club to its second National League pennant to secure the franchise’s first World Series berth in 22 years, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished baseball career. Born to an Italian American family, Lovullo has been a prominent figure in Major League Baseball, demonstrating leadership, strategic prowess, and a deep commitment to the sport.

NIAF will also honor with the 2025 NIAF Honoree Award, Francis Joseph DeBlasi, a Financial Advisor/SVP at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Born in Brooklyn and raised in the New York/New Jersey area, DeBlasi attended Christian Brothers Academy before moving on to Wagner College, where he played Division 1 basketball. With over 25 years of wealth management experience, he has also been the recipient of the prestigious Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award. Holding philanthropy very close to his heart, DeBlasi is the Founder of the Baller Dream Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides many levels of support to children and young adults batting cancer across seven states.

The 2025 Tomaso Maggiore Culinary Excellence Award, which honors the legacy of the Italian chef and restauranteur, who was a fixture of the Phoenix food scene for more than 30 years will be presented to Dom Ruggiero, Chef and Founder of Cast Iron Concepts.  A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who grew up in Long Island, New York and moved to the Valley, Ruggiero trained has held various positions at many popular restaurants training under James Beard award-winning chefs. His culinary talent and desire to bring elevated dining to his hometown inspired him to open his first restaurant, Hush Public House, in 2019 to immediate acclaim. Two more concepts, Fire at Will and Bar Cena, have since joined the Cast Iron Concepts family, each with its own unique spin on Ruggiero’s chef-driven approach to drinking and dining.

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM on the Cleopatra Pool deck and Romulus Foyer, followed by a dinner and awards program at 7:00 PM in the Romulus Ballroom. Proceeds from the gala will benefit NIAF and the Baller Dream Foundation.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 NIAF Regional Arizona Gala are now available on the NIAF website.

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CONTACT:
NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino and Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

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.