FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

Attribute to Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli, Chairman, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) 

On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), we are deeply saddened by the passing of one of America’s prominent and vibrant Italian American women. Dana Morosini Reeve championed fund-raising for medical research after her husband, Christopher’s paralysis. Her ancestors emigrated from Venice, Italy.

In 2001, NIAF honored the Reeves with the “One America” award during the Foundation’s 26th Anniversary Awards Gala before more than 3,100 guests in the nation’s capital. The NIAF award represents the achievements and team effort, despite adversities, that Christopher and Dana Reeve made to help improve the lives of all Americans. The “One America’’ award was also presented to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and his manager Angelo Dundee in 2000.

Her work and positive attitude served as an inspiration to all Americans.

Washington, DC
March 7, 2006

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan foundation dedicated to promoting the contributions of Italian Americans. The Foundation has a wide-range of programs that provide scholarships and cultural grants, conferences and cultural seminars. Visit our website at www.niaf.org.