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

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(WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 18, 2007) Back by popular demand, Renaissance Kids’ Club will offer fun and educational activities Italian-style for youngsters ages 7 to 13. The program will be held during the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Annual Convention and 32nd Anniversary Awards Gala, October 12 and 13 at the Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C. Renaissance Kids’ Club is free for children of convention attendees.

The Kids’ Club program kicks off Friday night, October 12, with an evening movie. On Saturday, October 13, activities include a breakfast, sports and game hour, song time, an Italian lunch, drama, and dancing. For an additional $25, guests can attend a special carnevale dinner.

NIAF’s Renaissance Kids’ Club entertains youngsters in a safe, supervised, and engaging environment free of charge while parents attend the Foundation’s convention weekend programs. Participants will be divided into groups by age.

This Italian learning experience is offered in cooperation with Lago del Bosco, the Italian Language Village of Concordia Language Villages, an internationally recognized and respected language and cultural immersion program.

During NIAF’s convention weekend, rock and roll legend Neil Sedaka will perform at the annual “Salute to the Martini” on Friday evening, October 12. The Foundation will also host Piazza d’Italia, a two-day showcase of Italian products, and an annual celebrity luncheon and auction on Saturday, October 13. A travel conference, “Discovering Italy: Food and Wine Itineraries, Agritourism Holidays and Spas,” will be held Friday. On Saturday, NIAF will host a conference “Elections 2008—Is There an Italian-American Vote?”

The 2007 Gala honorees at the Foundation’s 32nd Anniversary Awards Gala include presidential candidate Rudolph W. Giuliani , William D. Novelli , CEO of AARP, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi , Ellen Pompeo of the ABC drama “Grey’s Anatomy”, and Connie Stevens , actress, singer, and entrepreneur. Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese will be recognized for launching a new NIAF program in memory of Jack Valenti , former head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and a NIAF board member for more than 20 years.

Space is limited for the NIAF Renaissance Kids’ Club; registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Serena Cantoni at 202-939-3111 or serena@niaf.org. To view the flier, go to www.niaf.org/KidsClubFlier.pdf

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